Bury show interest in Mead teenager Hopkins

THAMESMEAD TOWN central defender Tom Hopkins, 19, could be in line for a return to the professional ranks, having impressed on a trial for Bury against Premier League giants Manchester United, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Southend United youth team skipper was one of two players to leave Roots Hall to sign for Spanish club CD Javea, who play in the Regional Preferente Group III, in August 2008, before returning to England to play for the Ryman League Division One North club.

Southend United and CD Javea announced a partnership in August this year to provide access to both set-ups talented youngsters.

Hopkins was one that travelled overseas to use the Spanish club’s training facilities, as well as play prestigious friendlies with Spanish opposition.

Thamesmead Town boss, Keith McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, revealed that Hopkins’ stay at Bayliss Avenue could be short-lived.

“Young Tom Hopkins played against Manchester United reserves, had a trial with Bury,” he said.

“He’s a local lad, he’s only nineteen, and was a pro at Southend a year ago, and went to play for a second division side in Spain.

“He got home-sick, he’s brother plays for us.

“He knows Efe Sodje from his Southend days and Efe rang me up and asked Tom to play a game and he said he was excellent as well.”

Hopkins’ returns to Thamesmead’s squad that travels to Potters Bar Town on Saturday, but one player that won’t be will be striker Rikki Cable, who has opted for a controversial move to high-flying Kent League outfit Tunbridge Wells.

The Bayliss Avenue club, however, issued the following statement, concerning Cable’s move to Culverden Stadium - which saw him feature for the Wells during the goal-less draw at Erith & Belvedere last night.

“Thamesmead striker Rikki Cable has been released from the club,” said the statement, posted on www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk.

“The club found out that Rikki had played for Tunbridge Wells last night without the clubs permission.

“Cable has apologised to the club and stated that he only wanted to play the one game for Tunbridge Wells, but the club feel that they have done every thing possible to keep Rikki happy in his time at the club.

“However, his actions are something that can not be rectified.

“The club would like to thank Rikki for his services and wish him all the very best in the future.”

McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, wanted to avoid the subject of his 12-goal striker dropping down one division to play his football alongside his brother Ross, just as they did for Faversham Town in their Kent County League days.

But he did say: “That is what I’m going to say on the matter really. The statement’s exactly right.

“Tunbridge Wells put in a seven-day approach in for him last Wednesday, when he was under contract, and they didn’t submit another one.

“They played him (last night at Erith & Belvedere) before the seven-days was up, which I’m disappointed with.”

Speaking about Cable’s contractual details, McMahon added, “I released his contract last week. He told me he was happy here but he didn’t want the extra pressure of a contract.

“He was very apologetic, wanted to play one game for (Tunbridge Wells); he’s a nice fella so I’m not going to say anything. I’m just disappointed really.”

McMahon hinted he could draft Steve White in from his loan spell with Kent Leaguers Holmesdale and has “some irons in the fire” to who will partner Lewis Wood up front.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip Parkfield, McMahon wants his side to continue their good form of late.

“The last four or five weeks have been superb,” he said. “We’ve got some good draws out of good sides.

“We beat Ashford Town in the (Kent Senior) Cup and we’re doing ok.

“We played Potters Bar in the second game - we’ve got a chance of going there and getting a result.”

Former Folkestone Invicta and Dartford goalkeeper, Tony Kessell, has been ruled out for the game through suspension, following his red card against Enfield Town.

“He’s been the best signing since I’ve been here as a manager, same as (defender) Lew Watts. He’s attitude has been excellent,” added McMahon.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Potters Bar Town v Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 13^th December 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Parkfield, Watkins Rise (off The Walk), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1QN