11thaug05

Thursday 11th August 2005

Bromley expect to sign Gardner

Bromley coach Frank Coles is hopeful they can sign trialist Barry Gardner after he impressed in Tuesday's 2-0 friendly win over Tonbridge Angels, reports www.bromleytimes.co.uk

Gardner came off the bench in the second half to score a cracking second goal to add to Allan McLeod's early penalty and Coles says he could be a Bromley player by the end of this week.

He "He actually played for Welling against us last Friday and asked if he could have a game for us as he is a free agent after leaving Ashford Town.

"We gave him a run out for the last 25 minutes and he certainly made an impact. He can play in a variety of positions in defence and midfield and hopefully George Wakeling will be able to sort something out when he returns from holiday at tonight's training session."

Joint-manager Wakeling will be in sole charge until his colleague Billy Smith recovers from his heart surgery. Smith entered hospital on Wednesday morning for his operation and his recovery is expected to take three months.

"Everyone at the club wishes Billy a speedy return and hopes that everything works out for him," added Coles.

Tuesday night's win over Tonbridge was Bromley's first pre-season victory of the summer and Coles will be looking to continue the good form in the next warm-up game - Saturday's eagerly anticipated Hayes Lane derby with Cray Wanderers.

He said: "It will be an interesting game with a lot of spice to it because there are plenty of connections between the two sides, including the fact we share the same ground."

Bromley are expected to be without Joe Vines although Tutu Henriques should return after injury.

Bromley v Cray Wanderers
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 13th August 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Courage Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley