27thaug03a

Bromley manager, Stuart McIntyre has admitted Nigel Pearce (born 18-08-1985) is still in his long term plans even though the former Bromley youth team hit man has been loaned out to Go Travel Kent League side Beckenham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

Pearce, who lives in Abbey Wood, broke through into Bromley's first team squad towards the end of last season following some excellent goalscoring performances for Bromley's under eighteen Kent Youth League side.

McIntyre and Beckenham Town manager, Kevin Sugrue have an agreement where Bromley's players, whether they are youngsters that need blooding in, or experienced first team players who need matches under their belts, can play for the Eden Park Avenue club.

As Bromley have many strikers on their books, Pearce and goalkeeper Rob O'Hara have been loaned out to Beckenham Town to gain first team experience.

McIntyre, speaking after Bromley's 4-0 win over Molesey at Hayes Lane on Saturday, said: "Nigel Pearce is on loan with Beckenham Town.  Nigel scored on his debut for them last week and I have set up for him to play there.  Nigel has things to learn but he is a good strong kid.  I like him but he needs some experience as he is only a young player."

McIntyre admitted: "Nigel is very much in my plans and he will come through in his own time."

The Scottish manager was cautious about Pearce being poached by another club whilst he was playing in the Kent League for Beckenham Town.  McIntyre said:  "There is always a danger that another club could sign him.  He isn't in a position to be offered a contract just yet, as that would be too premature.  Nigel is still an in-experienced player.  He has had a couple of games for Bromley last season, but I want him to get a few more games and we will see where we go from there."

Bromley could send some of their established Ryman League stars to Eden Park Avenue to gain fitness during the course of the season.  The Hayes Lane outfit, who lost 3-2 to Beckenham Town in a pre-season friendly, don't have room to field a reserve team as Cray Wanderers and Charlton Athletic Women's side bring much needed revenue into the club.

McIntyre continued: "We announced a week before we played Beckenham that we had a tie up with them.  We agreed to loan some of our players, whether they were players who need blooding in, or first team experienced players that need games under their belts."

McIntyre confirmed: "We are not going to use Beckenham Town as a dumping ground.  We will use them because we don't have a reserve team.  Their manager, Kevin Sugrue and I have a working agreement and so far its coming through".