I can make the grade, insists trialist Bonneywell - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Sittingbourne trialist Dan Bonneywell insists he’s the man to step into the boots of Bradley Spice, whose joined their Ryman League Division One South rivals Dover Athletic, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bonneywell, 23, scored Sittingbourne’s only goal as they defeated Ryman Premier League new boys Ramsgate at Southwood Stadium on Saturday.

And with 17-goal Spice moving on and Mark Lovell, who scored four fewer last season, currently on trial at Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet, Bonneywell is confident he can fill the breech.

Bonneywell, who grew up in Chatham, moved to Canterbury with his girlfriend in February, as he’s a PE Teacher at the Canterbury High School.

That is where he met Rob Udberg, the Brickies’ newly-appointed assistant manager, who invited the striker down for a trial at Bourne Park.

And speaking in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, Bonneywell insists he’s going to grasp his chance to hit the big-time.

“I have never played any higher than local football before, other than at university,” he said.

“I represented Brunel University in the BUSA League from 2001 to 2004, and now that I have settled down with a job and house I am in a position to play regularly at a higher level.”

Whilst living in Chatham, he only ever played for Chatham Riverside (1991-2005) and spent just one season at Wayfield Athletic (2005-06).

But now he wants to bang in the goals in the Ryman League.

Bonneywell explained his current situation. “Having grown up in Medway and lived there for 22 years, I knew Sittingbourne FC very well.

“It was more just a coincidence really, as I had spoken to Rob about playing and he invited me to training.

“I have always scored goals at every club that I have played for, and I am certain I can do the same for Sittingbourne.

“I am also a very versatile player who can play on either flank as well, although striker is definitely my main position.

“Having played in different areas for different clubs, I have shown that I am able to adapt to new players and styles of play.”

Bonneywell will be desperate to impress again when Steve Lovell takes his side to Kent League side Whitstable Town on Tuesday night before new boys Faversham Town visit Bourne Park on Saturday, with the Brickies looking to retain the Bob Armor Cup, which they won last summer.

But he is confident that Lovell will sign him and the striker hasn’t even thought abut what he’d do if he was turned away.

He said: “I don’t think there is any point in going for a trial and then wondering what if?

“I have been putting all my efforts into this trial, so haven’t really considered anything else.

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’m confident that I will be successful in my trial, but if not I’ll have to wait and see.

“But I’m just grateful for the opportunity of a trial. I love playing football and I know that I can be successful for Sittingbourne and I am looking forward to being given the chance to show what I am capable off.”

Following a board meeting on Sunday, Sittingbourne officials have decided to “impose only modest rises this season despite there being no price increase last season.”

But despite the increase in Sittingbourne’s admission prices, it still makes the club one of the cheapest to watch Ryman League Division One South football.