Avery hasn't put a foot wrong and I want to keep him, says Binks - EXCLUSIVE

CHATHAM TOWN manager Steve Binks wants to make Dartford defender Richard Avery’s stay at Maidstone Road permanent, writes Stephen McCartney.

Avery, who has impressed during his four games on loan, returns to Princes Park after Saturday’s home Kent derby against Whitstable Town.

But Binks, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, wants to keep the central defender.

“I might be looking to extend Richard Avery’s loan spell from Dartford, so that could be finalised at the weekend,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep him, he’s done fantastic for us, played four games and hasn’t put a foot wrong.

“He has a great attitude, for someone so young he’s got a lot of experience. He’s come in and given everything from the word go.”

But Avery needs to where he'll be playing his football for the rest of the season before the transfer deadline at the end of this month.

“With Dartford going so well he probably wants to stay a big part of that so it’s a difficult decision for him because he’ll probably want to get back to Dartford to get back into the side,” said Binks.

“I think he’s appreciated getting some games under his belt against some tough opposition.

“I’d love for him to stay but I think his heart’s with Dartford. He’s been there since he was a youngster.”

Saturday’s derby is between two sides that are currently in the bottom six in the Ryman League Division One South table.

Chatham have collected 34 points from 34 games, whilst Whitstable Town are nine points above the drop zone on 33 points.

But Binks wants to bag three points against Marc Seager’s side - a young manager that he has plenty of respect for.

“They gave us a bit of a hiding down there, 3-0, so we’re looking to improve on that performance and result,” said Binks, who drafts Steve Best, Matt Solly and Ross Finn back into his squad for the game.

“Whitstable are a really nice club. I’ve got a lot of respect for Marc Seager for what he’s done there and his team.

“Obviously (goalkeeper) Kevin Fewell and (striker) Ian Pulman are a couple of ex-Chatham players.

“There’s a bit of a gap between Whitstable and the bottom two. If they beat us they could make us third from bottom but we don’t want that. We want to finish as high as we can.”

Binks added: “I’m expecting a hard fought local derby. Hopefully it will rain a bit more and soften the pitch up as the pitches have been quite hard lately, which is not conducive to good football.”

Binks also revealed that Chris Tedder (knee), Dominic Elmes (ankle) and Craig Govey (hamstring) are all fighting their way back from injuries and should be back to first-team action in a month’s time at the latest.

Winger Steve Hafner, meanwhile, sits-out with a groin strain.

Visit club websites:

www.chathamtownfc.net

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Chatham Town v Whitstable Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15^th March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES