Miles swoops for former Faversham skipper Holder

Friday 16th March 2007

Former Faversham Town skipper James Holder has signed for Ryman League Division One South Chatham Town, writes James Brown.

The 22-year-old defender put pen to paper at the Maidstone Road club after impressing during training on Thursday night.

Holder, who was released by the Lilywhites on Monday, goes straight into the squad for struggling Chatham's must-win clash with Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

Chats boss Phil Miles said: "I asked James along to training and we struck a deal after having a brief chat afterwards.

"I've seen him play a couple of times this season and he seems very keen. I am delighted to bring him in.

"We are short on cover at the back with Danny Larkin out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

"Another defender Sam Groombridge has a slight thigh strain and it's the kind of injury where he could break down at any time.

"Because of these factors it is possible that he could start on Saturday but we'll have to wait and see what happens.

"He's certainly an excellent addition to my squad. I'd like to think he'll enjoy his time with us and decide to stay on next season."

Holder earned praise after staying on at Faversham in the wake of his father Peter's dismissal as assistant manager.

Indeed, he played a key role in the draws against Deal Town and Whitstable Town before deciding to move.

Initially, it was thought he would join either Beckenham or Thamesmead but the 6ft 5ins defender was always keen to step up to the Ryman.

Holder showed his loyalty to the Lilywhites earlier this season when he knocked back the offer of a move to Sittingbourne.

And he will come face-to-face with Brickies boss Steve Lovell next Saturday when the Chats travel to Bourne Park in the league.

Ryman League Division One South Table (Bottom 6)

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
17	Croydon Ath	31	9	7	15	34	54	-20	34
18	Walton Cas	32	7	10	15	46	59	-13	31
19	Chatham T	33	6	11	16	37	48	-11	29
20	Ashford T	28	7	7	14	31	47	-16	28
21	Godalming T	31	7	7	17	35	53	-18	28
22	Corinthian C	31	5	8	18	39	64	-25	23

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Visit club websites:

www.chathamtownfc.net

www.craywands.co.uk

Chatham Town v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 17^th March 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES