17thfeb05

Gladwish agrees sponsorship deal with Whitstable

PROLIFIC striker Julian Smith is set to make his full return to the Sevenoaks Town side when they entertain Whitstable Town at Greatness Park on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Smith banged in 45 goals for the club whilst they were a Kent County League side but made a return to the side as a twenty minute substitute at VCD Athletic recently.  After turning out, and scoring for the reserves on Saturday, he bagged a brace in a comfortable 4-0 friendly win over Kent County League neighbours Crockenhill in midweek.

Former Sevenoaks Town striker Andy Constable - who has recently re-joined Whitstable Town - isn't allowed to take to the field for the Oystermen against his old side.

Smith is expected to partner former Dover Athletic striker Gary Wood in attack.

Sevenoaks joint-manager Julian Leigh said: "We've got the situation where Andy Constable isn't playing but I believe Marc Seager is back, which will make a big difference for them.

"When we went down there we were 2-0 down.  We got back into it when their goalkeeper Gary Arterton was sent off.  Andy Constable scored and Gary Spillane scored straight from a corner kick.  We really battled well and will be looking to match that performance.

"I think we are defensively more solid with Dave Waters and Ollie Young."

Whitstable - in third place - have been too inconsistent to mount a title challenge as Herne Bay and Ramsgate battle it out for the championship.

Leigh added: "Whitstable's championship aspirations are over and like us will be rebuilding for next season.

"We've now got a squad of eighteen first team players and we are happy - there is a good togetherness in the camp."

Meanwhile, "Non-League fan and millionaire benefactor Victor Gladwish has agreed to sponsor Whitstable Town in a three-year deal with his company GLS Football.com and Gladwish Land Sales Ltd starting next season as the club's main sponsor, he has also agreed a separate deal to be the club's shirt sponsor.

Speaking after signing the document with Paul Gladwish, Victor Gladwish's brother, Whitstable Town chairman Joe Brownett said: "This is a great day for the football club, good news for all in the Town and we are delighted that Victor has shown such faith in the club, it's hard working committee and all the people of Whitstable.

"We are not resting on our laurels and together with the help of many local loyal businesses' who have supported Whitstable Town over the years; we want to repay the support they have given us.

"We will make sure that we are worthy of the support of GLS Football and with Paul Gladwish set to join the committee with his wealth of knowledge of local football, the future looks good."

Describing the support from Gladwish as "substantial" he refused to be drawn on details of the contract.

"Just lets say that we will now be able to offer the people of Whitstable the opportunity to watch exciting local football such as we have played in some excellent games this season, beating Ramsgate, the side tipped to win the Kent League 3-0, a few weeks ago and enjoyed a good run in the FA Cup.

"We have the foundation in place, with GLS Football.com we can now continue to grow," said Brownett.

Gladwish Land Sales also sponsor local rivals Herne Bay, amongst many other clubs including Gravesend & Northfleet and Crawley Town.

On a recent visit to the Belmont ground with son Richard, brother Paul and Michelle Lazenbury of GLS Football.com, Victor Gladwish said: "Whitstable is a nice friendly club, the pitch is great and I am very pleased to be able to help.

"All I ask is that you now go and win the league!


Sevenoaks Town v Whitstable Town
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 19th February 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Greatness Park, Mill Lane, Seal Road, Sevenoaks