Soccer Shorts: Welling United lose the services of midfielder Joe Healy

ASHFORD UNITED have signed striker Craig Thompson and midfielder Michael Yianni from Hythe Town.

CRAY VALLEY have confirmed that their newly-formed under 21 side will play in the Suburban League next season.

Club chairman Frank May and Under 21 Representative Mark Dobson attended the AGM of the Suburban League at Sutton United’s Gander Green Lane on Wednesday.

Mr May gave a brief speech to the member clubs represented at the meeting, introducing the club and explaining why the club wanted to join the League before member clubs voted on the matter.

27 member clubs voted in favour of the Millers joining the League, with one vote against.

The League constitution was then discussed and the Millers have been placed in a 15 team South Division alongside Chessington & Hook United, Cobham (new applicant), Crowborough Athletic, Croydon, Dorking Wanderers, East Grinstead Town, Erith Town, Farnham Town, Greenwich Borough (new applicant), Horley Town (new applicant), Knaphill, Molesey, Raynes Park Vale and Westfield.

The Premier and North Division however, will only have 11 teams each.

Mr May said: “Although the constitution was formally agreed at the AGM, some member clubs in the North Division complained about the travelling distances to some fixtures with a couple of teams threatening to resign over the matter. Whether this happens and the Divisions are reorganised, we have to wait and see.

“Mark Dobson has informed us that the majority of last season’s Kent Youth League Under 18 Premier Division One team have committed to the Under 21 team for next season and has identified a number of other players who will make up an 18 man squad in the Suburban League for the 2015/16 season.

There is still time to join the team on this new adventure and any players wishing to trial for the club, should send an email to ask.cvpmfc@outlook.com  for details.

AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC have unveiled Gareth Graham has joined their coaching team after the Irishman left Lingfield.

“Gareth will be truly missed down at The Lair as he is moving onto pastures new with joining Croydon Athletic,” said a Lingfield statement on their club website.

“Gareth has been a fantastic assist to the club both on and off the field and a great friend.

“Gareth was at home passing on his knowledge of the game to those youngsters that were breaking into the first team from our under 18 team.”

DARTFORD are searching for a physiotherapist to join the Vanarama National League South club.

The Darts are looking for someone qualified; First Aid Certificated; State registered physiotherapist or hold FA certificates for treatment and management of injuries.

Any interested applicants should forward a brief summary of your experience with your CV to officedfc@yahoo.com.

DEAL TOWN have successfully applied to enter a team in the NRG Gym Kent County League’s Under 21 Development League East Division next season.

As a result the club will now run an under 21 side instead of a reserve side to be managed by Dave Fairclough, who told the club’s website: “The decision reflects our commitment to develop the best young players in the community and bring them through to play for the first team.”

The manager is now keen to hear from players and the club are holding an open trial/training session at the Charles Sports Ground on Saturday (13 June), from 11:00.

Any players who are interested should contact Dave Fairclough on 07912 861 236 or email dfairclough2@icloud.com.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have revealed that two players have successfully come through operations in the past few weeks that will set them on the road to recovery in time to play a full part next season.

Dean Rance has responded well to his ankle operation and will be fit to begin pre-season training at the club’s Portugal camp in early July.

And while Charlie Sheringham’s hip injury will likely keep him sidelined until September, the striker’s operation on it has been deemed a success and should allow him to play as full a part in the forthcoming Vanarama National League South campaign as possible.

A club statement, posted on www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk said: “Sheringham sat out a long period of last season with injury, while Rance’s season was also curtailed by his, but with these procedures now concluded, both can look forward to what will hopefully be a clean bill of health.

“Furthermore, following Matt Godden’s foot injury, a podiatory specialist has recommended an adjustment of footwear to prevent any reoccurrence.”                                                  

FC ELMSTEAD manager Danny Wakeling has appointed Steve Devereux as player-coach ahead of the club’s inaugural Kent Invicta League campaign.

ERITH & BELVEDERE will face Whitstable Town on Saturday 25 July in the first ever Martin Tarrant Trophy.

A club statement said: “In honour of club legend Martin Tarrant, who was suddenly taken away from us last November, we will be hosting the first annual Martin Tarrant Trophy.

“We are delighted to announce that Whitstable Town have accepted our invitation for the match.  Whitstable Town was a team that Martin spoke very highly of so we are delighted that they can take part in this event.

“Martin was “Mr Erith & Belvedere” and everyone who ever had anything to do with the club or with football in Kent have a very fond memories of the club legend.

“Martin’s family will be our invited guests for the fixture and if they can attend will present the trophy to the winning team.  We really hope you can come out and enjoy the lovely British summer weather in what promises to be a fantastic match and a true tribute to one of the Deres greatest sons.”

FISHER fans have raised £1,005 ahead of their 25-mile walk from St Albans to the club’s new ground in Rotherhithe on Saturday. 

To donate visit: https://chuffed.org/project/bring-fisher-fc-home

GREENWICH BOROUGH have confirmed that they have now pulled off a major summer transfer coup, by signing former Dartford midfielder Peter Sweeney, 30. 

HYTHE TOWN have unveiled the signing of versatile Stephen Butcher, 20, from their Ryman League Division One South rivals Ramsgate.

MARGATE manager Terry Brown has confirmed that defender Brett Johnson and striker Freddie Ladapo have re-signed for the club ahead of their Vanarama National League South return.

Ladapo, 22, who signed for the club from Kidderminster Harriers in January, played 17 times for the club, scoring ten goals and has signed a two-year contract to stay at Hartsdown Park.

Former Woking defender Johnson, 29, has also put pen to paper on a new one year deal.

Brown told www.margate-fc.co.uk that it was vital to retain the pair ahead of the club’s new adventure.

“Brett and Freddie were top class for us last season so Stuart (Cash) and I are delighted that they have decided to continue this project with Margate.

“Freddie is young and hungry to score goals at this level and will cause defences all sorts of problems next season in the National League South.

“Brett was superb last year and will bring some experience to an already strong back four.”

SEVENOAKS TOWN secretary Eddie Diplock has retired after an incredible 63 years’ service to the Greatness Park club.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS are to contest the Supporters Direct Shield with another community owned club.

The home match against Southern Counties East Football League club Fisher will take place at Longmead Stadium on Saturday 25 July (3:00pm).

“Supporters Direct is the organisation that facilitates club’s moving to community ownership and therefore very appropriate that we should be playing Fisher FC,” said a club statement on www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk.

“The Angels had been due to play Farnborough on this date but as a result of their slightly surprising placement in the Ryman Premier following relegation from National League South that fixture was cancelled.”

VCD ATHLETIC manager Keith McMahon continues re-building his squad with the arrival of central defender Ricardo Joseph, 28, from their Ryman Premier League rivals Metropolitan Police.

Midfielder Ritchie Graham, 34, and forward Leon Fisher, 29, have also joined the Crayford based club.

WELLING UNITED have lost defender Jamal Fyfield, 26, who has signed for their Vanarama National League rivals Wrexham on a one-year deal.

But boss Loui Fazakerley has signed ex-Charlton Athletic defender Harry Osbborne on a one-year deal.  He impressed last season on loan from their Championship neighbours whilst on loan at Park View Road and will officially join the Wings on a permanent deal on 1 July.

The club have confirmed that popular midfielder Joe Healy has left the club.

A club statement, which was posted on www.wellingunited.com said: “It brings an end a stunning spell with Welling for local lad Healy, who has been a key player in our progress over recent seasons.

“Fans’ favourite Healy departs with 202 appearances and 35 goals – the majority of them spectacular ones – to his name in a Welling shirt.

“The club would like to place on record it’s thanks to Joe for all of his efforts in a Welling shirt and wish him every success in the future.”