Former Manchester United striker signs for Kent League Croydon - EXCLUSIVE

The Croydon chief has today brought Marc Whiteman, 24, to the South Norwood club, having signed the former Lewes hit-man from Sussex County League side Ringmer.

Whiteman, a former trainee at Old Trafford, has also played for Bury, Weymouth and Lewes amongst others.

Mr Gill was beaming when he broke the story EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening.

He said: “He’s a proven goalscorer. He scored thirty goals for Lewes in the year they got promotion from Ryman One - it’s a big plus for us.”

Mr Gill revealed he will need to think long and hard before deciding whether his star signing will make his debut on Saturday.

The Trams welcome Leamington, leaders of the Midland Alliance, to the Croydon Sports Arena in the last 64 of the FA Carlsberg Vase and the Surrey club can expect to attract their largest crowd of the season.

“I’m not quite decided,” pondered Mr Gill. “I have to sleep on it but he’s an added addition to us.

“I have to decide whether to change the side or keep the side that’s been doing well but I’m happy that I’ve added him to the squad.”

But Croydon will be without former Bromley full-back Kwabena Amaning for the FA Vase showdown as he is getting married.

“He’s been doing very well, he’s a big blow for us but that’s one of those things in life, in football, it happens,” said Mr Gill.

“We’ll shuffle the team, we’re not bringing anyone in as such.”

Having collected the Kent League manager of the month award for November last week, Mr Gill does not want the award winning curse to strike him.

“Could someone else pick it up on my behalf?” he said. “I would like to thank all the players and staff for helping me achieve that award.”

With 13 league games played and his club in fourth place in the table, seven points behind leaders Thamesmead Town, Mr Gill admitted he’s side will do all they can to return to the Ryman League at the first attempt.

On signing Whiteman, he added: “I’d like to think it’s a definite help towards promotion. We’ll have a go for it but we’re not going to put ourselves under pressure for it.”

Visit Croydon's website:  www.thelasttramhome.cjb.net

Croydon v Leamington
FA Carlsberg Vase Third Round
Saturday 9^th December 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL