Faversham is the place to be, says Copley

Paul Copley is bringing in at least EIGHTEEN new players ahead of his first full season in charge of Faversham Town, writes James Brown.

Copley, 36, is refusing to name names as he looks to build a side capable of mounting a serious challenge in the Kent League next season.

But the director of a Canterbury recruitment agency reckons there will be more then 50 players vying for a first team place when pre-season training starts at 10am on Saturday, 30 June.

Copley revealed that his Busman's Holiday this summer has been helped by the fact that Salters Lane is buzzing - and new recruits cannot wait to be involved.

He told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk : "I can't talk about individuals - that would be unwise and unfair - but I can say that there will be at least 18 new faces at pre-season.

"You'd probably expect me to say it's been hard attracting players to the club, but my job has been made easy by the buzz that's going round this place.

"I've had phone calls from a lot of people simply itching to be involved. Pre-season can't come quickly enough.

"This club's pedigree has spoken for itself. You'd think I'd have to sell this football club but it's been selling itself.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that we'll have more than 50 players at our first pre-season on 30 June. They're chomping at the bit."

Copley moves into the dugout on a permanent basis alongside assistant manager Bob Mason and new coach Paul Piggott.

And Copley revealed former Lordswood boss Piggott - who played in goal for Faversham Town in the 1990s under Hughie Stinson - had been bowled over by the buzz amongst players, officials and supporters.

Copley said: "Our new coach Paul Piggott was quick to notice what a great atmosphere we have here.

"I invited him along to meet the lads at our presentation night and he said he'd never experienced an atmosphere like it.

"I've never been one to talk up our chances but I have been able to recruit some exciting new players ahead of pre-season.

"It has confirmed my belief that players at this level arent just chasing the fast buck.

"Everyone has been invited back for pre-season as I'm sure the work we will do will improve everyone.

"We will wipe the slate clean and judge everyone of a level playing field."

Meanwhile, Copley and secretary Alan Trent has arranged six friendlies before the Kent League season kicks off on 11 August.

The Premier Division fixtures are not expected to be released until early July.

Faversham Town’s pre-season friendlies:

Monday 16^th July (away) Dartford
Saturday 21^st July (away) Rushden & Diamonds
Tuesday 24^th July (HOME) TONBRIDGE ANGELS
Saturday 28^th July (HOME) SITTINGBOURNE - Bon Amor Challenge Trophy
Tuesday 31^st July (away) Whitstable Town
Saturday 4^th August (HOME) CANTERBURY CITY

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk