7thjuly04

Wednesday 07th July 2004

Cannon on trial at Dartford

PRE-SEASON training has commenced at Southern League Division One East outfit Dartford allowing manager Tommy Sampson to run the rule over players who want to make an impact, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sampson has had a player recommended to him by Ben Embery, former manager at Braintree Town and championship winner last season at Concorde Rangers.

Sampson revealed: “Neil Cannon is a centre-half who trained last night. He is twenty-four-years-old, six foot two and training to a view of a place in the first team if it works out. He has played for Hornchurch and Aveley and lives in Grays.

“Ben Embery thinks a lot of him and he has put him our way. We will see in the next 3-4 weeks how it goes during pre-season.”

Thirty-six players trained last night and Sampson is pleased with the progress of trialist Jim Carter and the other players who were put through their paces on the training ground.

Sampson added: “Jim is doing alright. He is a big strong lad and working on his fitness with the other players. We had 36 people training on Tuesday night. I haven’t lost anybody from last year and everyone who was going to turn up has.”

However, Sampson was sorry to announce that newly appointed reserve team manager Steve Sales has been forced to leave the club due to family commitments, his wife snapped an Achilles tendon, but the door has been left open for his return.

Sampson added: “Bob Pittaway, who was Steve Sales' reserve team assistant and coach, will become reserve team manager and we hope to appoint a reserve team coach within the next 3-4 days.

“I have told Steve Sales there is a place at the club when things are sorted out. He is very upset he has had to pull out.”

Meanwhile, Paul Sykes’ wife, Carly has given birth to a bouncing boy named Thomas and everyone at the club is pleased for the couple.

Dartford’s pre-season friendly at Horsham YMCA has been cancelled due to the two club’s meeting in the FA Cup. The Darts' have quickly re-arranged a fixture and will travel to Ashford Town (Kent) instead on Tuesday 27 July.

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES TELEPHONE
STEPHEN McCARTNEY 07979 418 360

We value your news:
Email: stephen@mccartney2000.fsnet.co.uk