Faversham apply for promotion into Ryman League

Ambitious Faversham Town boss Terry Cordice has told Salters Lane chiefs to apply for promotion to the Ryman League, writes James Brown - courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Cordice steered the Lilywhites to the Kent League at the first time of asking by finishing second in the British Energy Kent County League last season.

Promotion to the Ryman hinges on winning the Premier Division but Cordice sees no reason why his rookies cannot make the step up again and mix it with the likes of Sittingbourne, Chatham and Dover Athletic next season.

Whitstable Town look a class apart so far this term, winning seven games out of seven to lie top of the Premier Division.

But Faversham boss Cordice, who saw his side lose 1-0 to the Oystermen last month, does not fear anyone.

He said: "I've seen nothing so far this season to suggest that the title is beyond us. In fact, there's no reason why we can't go up again.

"We've played all the top sides now and there is no one to fear. Whitstable have done very well so far but we're not far behind them."

Salters Lane bosses asked Cordice if he wanted to apply for promotion following a letter circulated to all clubs in the Premier Division this month.

Secretary Alan Trent explained: "Rather than individual clubs applying for promotion, the procedure is that you are asked by the league if you'd like to be considered for a place in the Ryman League.

"This put the ball in the manager's court because you have to win the league but he has responded positively. We will now pay an application fee of around £180 and that will start the ball rolling.

"Obviously, we're thrilled to have done well so far this season. Winning the league is a massive ask but imagine how we'd have felt if TC had won us the league and we hadn't applied.

"We owe it to the players - and indeed our fantastic fans - to give ourselves every chance to progress both on and off the field."

Cordice believes he still needs two or three new players to stand a chance of winning the race for the title.

The arrival of striker Graham Taylor at the end of last month has been tempered by the loss of forward Dane Luchford who has left the club due to work commitments overseas.

Cordice said: "We could do with two or three more players. We need another forward and maybe a midfielder. We're keeping an eye out for the right sort of players.

"We also have a lot of lads pushing through from the Reserves so we have a few options."

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Sporting Bengal United
Kent League
Saturday 21 October 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham