Croydon boss Tompkins signs trio

CROYDON boss Mark Tompkins has signed two new players last night - and another one is expected to sign tonight - as he bids to get the club’s season back on track, writes Stephen McCartney.

Two straight defeats, against Tunbridge Wells and Erith Town, has prompted Tompkins to sign strikers Lewis Wood (Beckenham Town) and Steve White (Thamesmead Town), whilst midfielder Austin Berkeley is expected to sign from Erith & Belvedere later tonight.

It’s not the first time this season that Tompkins has signed nippy striker Wood - he signed him a night before quitting as manager of Erith Town on the eve of the new Bulmers Cider Kent League season.

Wood then swiftly moved to Beckenham Town, but Tompkins, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  tonight , is pleased to have got his man, again.

“I signed him the Tuesday night before I resigned from Erith Town,” recalled Tompkins. “He’s a proven goalscorer, he’s scored five or six goals already for Beckenham. It’s something we’re missing at Croydon.

“Steve White, is a seasoned campaigner isn’t he? He can score goals, he can hold the ball up well and Austin (Berkely), as you know, is a ball player and gets us playing - we need experience.”

Croydon welcome Sussex County League minnows Haywards Heath Town to the Croydon Sports Arena on Saturday, confident that they can reach the first round proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

Their visitors play in the third and lowest tier of the Sussex County League, currently sitting in mid-table with two wins and two draws from their opening five games.

Tompkins says his side have the quality to easily progress into the next round.

“I don’t really know a lot about them to be honest,” admitted Tompkins. “I know they’re Sussex County League Division Three, so I’m not able to go and watch them (but) I know they’ve had a mediocre start in the league.”

Despite their disappointing run of form of late, Tompkins believes his new signings will bring a lot to his team.

“At the Erith Town game we had a young side out there as such so now I’ve brought some experienced players in,” he said.

Tony Russell, who missed last week’s game due to wedding commitments, and injured pair Ben Yiadom and Winfred Gnaly, all return for the important FA Vase clash.

“We’ve lost two on the bounce now, it’s a game we’ve definitely got to win,” said Tompkins.

“We definitely won’t be taking it lightly that’s for sure. There’s a lot of money involved in the Vase and it will be good for the club to win on Saturday.

“We need to start another run and start it Saturday.

“We’re the senior club out of the two sides, we’re at home and the running track with no atmosphere is to our advantage so those three things should help us win the game.”

Tompkins, who settling into his new club, added: “The team’s taking my shape now with the players that I’ve signed now.”

Visit Croydon’s website:  www.croydon-fc.co.uk

Croydon v Haywards Heath Town
FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 20^th September 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL