Quartet walk out of Tunbridge Wells following Farnie sacking - EXCLUSIVE

Rusthall boss Hugo Langton hands two players their debuts for their home showdown against league leaders Norton Sports today, writes Stephen McCartney.

Andy Mills and Dave Forster have both arrived from local Kent League neighbours Tunbridge Wells.

“I spoke to Andy in the summer, checked his availability,” Hugton said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning.

“He obviously was keen to stay with Tunbridge Wells, to stay in the Kent League, but his situation has changed (so) I spoke to him this week - glad to have him on board.”

And the former Gillingham coach is also delighted to have signed experienced midfielder Forster.

“Spoke to Dave in the summer, and like Andy, wanted to go to Tunbridge Wells (from Lordswood) in the Kent League.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have them both in. Their experience is second to none for a club like us.”

Langton was quick to snap up the disillusioned pair, following the recent departure of Martin Farnie down the road at Culverden Stadium.

The capture of these two players bolsters a weakened squad for today’s Jockey Farm clash against unbeaten leaders Norton Sports.

“Massive game, massive, massive game for us,” said Langton. “They’re flying at the top of the league, unbeaten, biggest test so far this season.

“They (Norton) work for 90 minutes, they can play football and the table doesn’t lie.

Reflecting on their campaign to date, Langton, whose side are in fourth place thirteen points behind Norton, said: “So far, overall, very pleased. It hasn’t helped having an enormous injury list.

“We’ve added some strength with these two coming in.

“There’s some good sides in this league and we’re more than holding our own - this test, we’re looking forward to.”

Striker Robbie Perkins returns from a foot injury to lead the line today, and another striker, Dave Burren has been recalled from the reserves.

But central defender Nick Coxon (knee), central midfielder Mark Lester (ankle), striker Lee Spiers (metatarsal), former Wells’ midfielder Kevin Brown (groin), centre back James Mills (ankle) and striker Lewis Howard (personal commitments) are all missing today.

Langton is also pleased that his skipper Gary Stock, formerly of Faversham Town, is back to full fitness following his return from injury seven days ago.

Meanwhile, striker Andy Constable has also decided to part company with Tunbridge Wells.

Constable joined the Culverden Stadium club last month from Ryman League Division One South outfit Whitstable Town, but has left following Farnie’s departure.

And the former Bromley and Sevenoaks Town prolific striker signed for Chatham Town yesterday, and will make his debut for the Medway side against Leatherhead today.

“I’m hoping he’s going to come and score some goals for us,” said Chatham Town boss Phil Miles, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk just three hours before Constable's debut.

“I signed a couple of forwards last year and it didn’t work out, so I’m hoping he’s going to come and be our answer to our prayers.”

That brings a total of four players to leave Culverden Stadium since Farnie departed, versatile former Chatham Town man Andy Garrett being the other.

Visit Ruthall's website: www.rusthallfc.co.uk

Rusthall v Norton Sports
British Energy Kent County League Premier Division
Saturday 10^th November 2007
Kick Off 2:00pm
At Jockey Farm, Nellington Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells