Cray chairman fights to keep his Lover

CRAY WANDERERS’ chairman Gary Hillman has confirmed this week that their former star player Ross Lover is welcomed back at the club anytime, writes Stephen McCartney.

Lover stunned the Ryman League Division One South club when he opted for a move to neighbouring Blue Square South club Welling United in pre-season, but this turned into a nightmare for the talented winger.

Mr Hillman’s attention of Lover’s return to playing football, following work commitments, came by reading www.kentishfootball.co.uk this week, when we interviewed Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon, who revealed Lover had played a reserve team game for his club last week.

The Wands chairman would like to see the player rekindle his love-affair with the Hayes Lane club.

“Neither I nor any of the management team have any problems with Ross,” Mr Hillman told www.craywands.co.uk.

“We know he’s become a bit disheartened with football after it didn’t work out with Welling, but he will always be welcome at this club.

“He had six marvellous years at Cray and is an important part of the recent success of the club.”

Although, Mr Hillman, is pleased that Lover is getting games under his belt, he feels Lover should return.

“It’s good to see him playing with his mates at Thamesmead, and it’s a good sign that he is getting back to match fitness and interested in football again,” he said.

But Mr Hillman reminded Ryman One North club Thamesmead that they must pay a transfer fee if they’re to play Lover in the Ryman League.

“We worked with Ross at the beginning of the season, to get him released from his contract at Welling, and he signed Ryman League forms with us,” explained Mr Hillman.

“He is still registered for us to play in the Ryman League. Obviously, if anyone does want to sign him in the Ryman League, they will need to speak to us first. There are money issues to sort out first.

“I spoke to Keith McMahon yesterday and they are fully aware of the situation. We don’t have any problems between the clubs.”

Cray Wanderers lost winger Sam Wood and Jon Main for nothing and these two players are now playing at a higher level.

Wood was snapped up by landlords Bromley, who later sold him to Brentford and Main shone for Tonbridge Angels, who then sold him to AFC Wimbledon last November.

And Mr Hillman wants Lover to utilise his full potential with the Wands.

“I feel Ross is getting some bad advice from some people, but I still don’t think it’s too late for him to be playing in the Football League in a few years’ time,” said Mr Hillman.

“Ross has the same potential as Sam Wood and Jon Main, and look what they have gone on and done after being noticed playing for us. There’s no reason why Ross can’t do the same.

“I remember when Mark Hammond was messing around a few years ago; then he came back, knuckled down for a year or so and then went on to sign for Aldershot.

“Even Jon went on a jolly-up in New Zealand with Dimmo (Richard Dimmock) for a year but is now one of the most sough after players outside the Football League at the age of 27.

“Ross is suited to our style of football and, as we are fighting for the league title, he will be at the best place to get noticed.

“We would help him move to the highest standard of football if he did realise his potential this season.”

Mr Hillman sat down with Ian Jenkins (manager); Joe Francis (assistant) and Paul Blade (coach) last night to discuss Lover’s future.

The chairman added: “Everyone at Cray just wants to put a line under everything that’s happened and start afresh. I know Jenko and Joe will be phoning Ross this week and I will be the first one to buy him a beer on his return!”

Quotes courtesy of www.craywands.co.uk

Worthing v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 25^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Woodside Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7HQ