McMahon brings big fish to Bayliss Avenue

The 6’2’’ striker has penned a one-year contract at the ambitious Bayliss Avenue club and looks set to enjoy a much better campaign, having played for troubled club Fisher Athletic in Blue Square South last season.

McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  once the deal was sealed early this afternoon, is delighted to have made the 29-year-old his SEVENTH summer signing as he prepares for his second Ryman League Division One North campaign.

“Big!  He is big, he’s six foot two, he’s a good signing for us,” said McMahon.

“He came down, met me a few weeks ago, looked around the development, saw how ambitious I was as a manager, he loved the surface of the pitch as well and just put pen to paper now.

“It’s a good deal for us and him.  It’s a nice year deal and hopefully we can get the best out of him.”

The much-travelled striker’s previous clubs include Dulwich Hamlet, Barnet, Wimbledon, Woking and he played a major part in Team Bath’s 2002-03 FA Cup run that culminated with a Sky Sports covered match against Mansfield Town, in which he scored a spectacular goal in the 4-2 home defeat.

On completion of his HND sports performance course he had trials with Exeter City and Chippenham Town, plus a short spell with Larkhall Athletic before joining Bath City in August 2005 before moving to Yate Town.

And ironically, he missed Croydon’s opening Kent League game of the 2007-08 season - at Thamesmead Town - as he was taken to hospital hours before the big kick-off.

McMahon added: “He’s six foot two, huge, he’s quick, holds the ball up, got a good touch and if look at where he’s played.

“There were as few Conference clubs (that spoke to him), but he wanted to come back and enjoy his football.  

“He was at Fisher (Athletic) last year, he had a few knocks and he was just pleased with what the club had to offer.”

Kamara-Taylor endured a miserable campaign with Fisher Athletic last season, playing for nothing, finishing rooted to the foot of the Blue Square South table - and then the club was wound up last month for an unpaid tax bill.

But he has decided to sign for Thamesmead Town, rather than play for newly-formed Fisher in the Kent League.

“To be fair to the lad, he’s a really nice lad, he spoke highly of Fisher, he enjoyed his time there,” said McMahon.

“He liked Dave Mehmet and Ray Bagnell, but sometimes when things happen like what’s unfortunately happened at Fisher some players move on.

“He’s what I’ve been lacking and what I’ve been missing, someone with presence. He’s strong, he’s got a bit of a nasty streak in him on the pitch, even though he’s so nice off it.”

McMahon admitted signing a player of this calibre will signal his intent for the months ahead.

 “Some of the clubs locally will sit up and look up and see we are a proper football club and not making the numbers up  and my own squad will look up and see what sort of job I’ve done in the summer,” he said.

“I’ve been really busy, I think it’s important to get your squad sorted out before you go back training, players take note, believing you are doing a proper job.”

When asked whether there will be any more summer signings, 36-year-old McMahon replied, “Well, obviously I’ve still got fingers in pies but the ones I’ve got were the ones I set my targets on and there the ones that I’ve got.  Anyone else will be a bonus now.

“I’m not shutting the door, I’m happy with the squad that I’ve build, especially for the budget I had as well.”

Looking ahead to pre-season training, which commences on Thursday, 2nd July, McMahon said: “I’ve got quite a lot of trialists coming and I’ve also got my under 18’s, who are entering the Ryman Youth League this year so we’ve got strength in there.  I’m expecting 40-50 players.

“With my new player coach, Tony Russell taking over as coach, it’s good times. We’re a young and ambitious club now.

“It’s a big season for the club with what’s going on.  I’ve just been down the ground this morning and the stand’s up behind the goal, the foundations are being laid for the new club house and it’s taking shape.  It’s exciting times for Thamesmead.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk