Halsey ends speculation over striker King

Tuesday 30th June 2009

SIMON HALSEY says he wants to emulate his success along the coast at Whitstable Town, as he prepares for his first season as the assistant manager at Herne Bay, writes Stephen McCartney.

Halsey, a pub landlord, guided Whitstable to the Kent League title during the 2006-2007 campaign, working alongside manager Marc Seager, before clinching 50 points in each of the Belmont Road club’s first two Ryman League Division One South campaigns.

But Halsey quit the Oystermen in the wake of Seager’s decision to quit football at the end of last season, and has taken up a similar role at Winch’s Field, where hopes are high for the season ahead.

Halsey has taken three training sessions as manager Barry Morgan prepares for the club’s first pre-season friendly, at home to Needham Market on 11 July.

“We’ve been back three sessions now and I have been made very welcome by all at the club,” Halsey told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“The lads have been working hard and enjoying the sessions.

“The whole squad has returned plus several new faces and all have been working hard for the first game on 11 July.”

There was plenty of close season speculation about Stuart King, but Halsey insisted the striker, who has one year of his contract still to run, is fully committed to the club.

“He certainly is, as is the whole squad,” added Halsey. And when asked what his aspirations were, Halsey added “To achieve the same success at Whitstable, but will see where we are in April.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net