Graeme Andrews returns to Bearsted after seven-years away

BEARSTED have unveiled the return of defender Graeme Andrews.



The Bears finished their Kent Invicta League campaign in sixth-place last season, finishing with 16 wins, 3 draws and 9 defeats.

Andrews, 29, finished last season with Ryman League Division One South side Hythe Town, where he lined up alongside a number of former Maidstone United team-mates, including Tommy Osborn, Shaun Welford and Danny Lye.

Andrews last played for Bearsted in 2007 when the club had a very strong and successful team, which were narrowly defeated by Whitstable Town 1-0 in the Kent Senior Trophy Final at Dartford.

He moved to Dover Athletic the following season under Andy Hessenthaler, before moving to Conference South side Welling United when Andy Ford was boss.

Andrews joined Maidstone United to captain his home-town side three years later for the 2011-2012 season.

Andrews led the side out at the club’s return to the town against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Gallagher Stadium, where he regularly played in front of nearly 2,000 fans, earning 117 appearances and promotion into the Ryman Premier League via the play-offs.

A Bearsted statement on www.bearstedfc.co.uk said: “After seven years away from the Bears, Graeme Andrews is returning as the club seek a push for promotion to the Kent League (Southern Counties East Football League) for the first time in the club’s history.

“With the final ground improvements now approved for completion, including floodlights, the club are also introducting an under 21’s team, in addition to their exisiting reserves and Kent Youth League teams, to strengthen the flow of quality players into the club’s firs team squad.

“Graeme is now looking forwad to joining his brother Scott back in the team he played for as a junior.”

Visit Bearsted’s website: www.bearstedfc.co.uk