Foley strengthens his Vickers' squad

VCD ATHLETIC boss Paul Foley is relishing his next two pre-season games, against two newly promoted Ryman Premier League sides, writes Stephen McCartney.

Tooting & Mitcham United, who defeated Cray Wanderers in last season’s Ryman League Division One South play-off final visit Oakwood on Tuesday night, before neighbouring Dartford, winners of the Ryman League Division One North title, visit two night’s later.

“Both games will be tough but should be well contested as we are in the final week of pre-season games now,” Foley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Foley, preparing for his second season in charge of the Crayford based club, revealed Danny Penny, David Hunt and Gary Cook have all returned from injury and he expects Kevin Spriggs, Kevin Winchcome and Mark Greatorex to be available following injuries - and Stephen Hogg has bounced back from his recent illness.

But Kane Rice and Jamie Blundell have been ruled-out as they’re still on holiday.

Foley has, however, bolstered his squad, as he prepares for the club’s Kent League opener at Tunbridge Wells on 9^th August.

Dave Hassett, Chris Hubbard and Casey Scotter are the latest players to put pen to paper for the club.

Ginger haired striker Dave Hassett has played for Dartford, Ashford Town, Tunbridge Wells, Greenwich Borough, Erith & Belvedere and Metrogas.

Hubbard is a talented right-sided midfielder, who arrives from Kent League rivals Greenwich Borough, as does Scotter, who can play in defence or midfield.

“All have put pen to paper for the coming season, having impressed in the pre-season friendlies,” expressed Foley.

“This brings the total of new signings to six, to add to the three earlier signings in Michael Holder (a goalkeeper from Greenwich Borough), Nick Hegley (left-winger from Maidstone United) and Simon Austin (striker from Horsham).

But Foley has lost the services of giant goalkeeper Chris Tedder and winger Ashley Probets, who have both joined a Chatham Town side that’s preparing for life in Ryman League Division One North.

Jack Parkinson has signed for Blue Square South neighbours Welling United, despite spending time at both Tonbridge Angels and Cray Wanderers in pre-season before opting to sign for the Park View Road outfit.

Foley said: “With Ben Mitchell being forced to pack up due to work commitments and Juan Ramirex on a long trip away to Columbia, it leaves the squad plus one from last season and looking very strong for the season ahead.”

Vickers warmed up to this week’s tests with a 4-1 win over Phoenix Sports before being held to a 1-1 draw by Cray Valley.

Striker Richard Sinden netted a hat-trick against Phoenix, with his strike partner, Leroy Huggins also getting on the score sheet, but Vickers were depleted against Cray Valley and had to settle for a draw.

The Vickers were decimated by injuries and holidays with ten players unavailable and new coach Andy Silk, who arrives from Tooting & Mitcham United, had to play 45 minutes and Foley played his second game in three days.

But they took the lead when Hegley headed home Hassett’s cross but they were pegged back when former Croydon striker Matt Knuckney levelled proceedings.

Meanwhile, VCD Athletic have reverted back to their traditional colours of green and white hooped shirts this season.

The kit change sees a return to the traditional hooped kit, originally worn by the Vickers when they were founded and brings a fresh look to the bland old green kit of recent years.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering Vickers’ game against Tooting & Mitcham United on Tuesday night.

Visit VCD Athletic's website: www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

VCD Athletic v Tooting & Mitcham United
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 29^th July 2008
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN