16thdec04

Striker shortage forced Toms into transfer market

WHITSTABLE Town manager Matt Toms explained the reason why he signed striker Tommy Planck from Southern League Division One East club Dartford, writes Stephen McCartney.

Toms', whose side enhanced their title credentials with a 3-1 win at Greenwich Borough on Tuesday, to move into third place in the Go Travel Kent League premier division table, said: "We haven't got any centre forwards."

The 32-year-old boss added: "I've had to play this year, which is the last thing we wanted to do as a football club.

"It's not what I want to do, it's not what the football club wants to do but to be fair we've only had Sam Prett and Aaron Knight and Sam got injured - so we literally had one centre forward in the whole club.

"There was nothing in the reserves because they were all playing first team football.

"We had to sign another striker with Steve Marshall out.

"I had to play but I'm not the answer, by a long shout."

Prett has since returned into the side, scoring Whitstable's first goal in their victory at Harrow Meadow.

Toms, however, whose side finished in fifth place last term, is looking to do even better this time round.

He said: "Since I've been at the club, fifth was the best finish, which was last year.

"We want to go better than that really.

"We've proved on our day we are capable against anyone - but we have to wait and see."

Saturday 18th December 2004
Slade Green v Whitstable Town
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Small Glen, Moat Lane, Slade Green