With the squad and the set-up we have, we've got to be aiming for promotion, says Kennington goalkeeper Joe Mant

KENNINGTON manager Dan Scorer has unveiled the return of highly-rated goalkeeper Joe Mant.

The former Hythe Town and VCD Athletic shot-stopper re-signed for the Ton in December of last year from Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Canterbury City and went on to keep five clean sheets in his 10 appearances.

“Manty committing is a massive sign of intent that players are keen to be part of the club’s progression,” said Scorer.

"He brings great experience at step four and five and has played consistently at that level since he was 18 - and he's still only 25 - and will no doubt continue to improve his game over the next few years.

"His shot-stopping, distribution and all-round game is the best I've seen at this level and we are very pleased to have a player of Joe's quality.

"He's a top lad and knows he'll have to perform to keep his shirt, just like everyone else."

Mant - who is also an England six-a-side international, said: "I've just had my first child with my partner, so signing for Kennington means the travelling's reduced and playing locally means they can come and watch, too.

"I also work on Saturday's so it helps give me a good balance between the two, and a lot of my friends including the gaffer are already at the club.

"I'm looking forward to enjoying my football and hopefully we can carry on where we left off during the second part of last season.

"With the squad and the set-up we have, we've got to be aiming for promotion.

"We've got a number of players, like myself, who have experience at a higher level in the Isthmian and Southern Counties East Football League  Prem, so it shows the capability of the squad.

"When you mix that with some of the raw, younger players we have, it's a very exciting combination, which will only get better as the season progresses."

Kennington were leading the Southern Counties East Football League First Division at the time of the coronavirus pandemic that brought football to a halt in this country in March.

Visit Kennington’s website: www.kenningtonfc.co.uk