Slade Green sign Dartford quartet

SLADE GREEN manager Matt Longhurst has tonight unveiled the signings of four players from neighbouring Ryman Premier League side Dartford, writes Robert Smith.

The Kent League club have unveiled the signings of last season’s Kent League Division One Golden Boot winner, Daniel Westerman, goalkeeper Dean James, Jamie Lawrence and Adam Woodyard from the Darts under 21 set-up.

Longhurst, speaking to the club’s website, was delighted with the signings as he prepares for his first full season in charge at The Small Glen.

“It is with great pleasure that I can announce the signings of these players for the coming season of whom all have signed the appropriate paper work this evening,” Longhurst told www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc.

“After weeks of discussion and several other clubs trying to capture the signings of these players I can announce that Daniel Westerman , Jamie Lawrence , Dean James and Adam Woodyard, have all signed from Dartford.

“Westy was the league ones top scorer last season and can play in a number of positions and will be a great asset to the club.

“I actually signed him for Dartford Reserves back when he was 16 ,17 and now hope to improve him further as a player and for him to improve us as a team.

“Digger as most know him has been in and out of the Dartford first team for a few years now and is looking to break into first team football with us.

“He is an excellent passer of the ball and again I am looking for him to strengthen our squad as we continue to build for the coming season.

“Dean James is the goalkeeper I tried to sign last season but to no avail and have now signed him, and he will compete with current goalkeeper Sam Biggs for the number one spot during pre season.

“Dean brings a charisma with him that is good in all dressing rooms and is a great shot stopper and all round goalkeeper again I am very much looking forward to working with him this season.

“Adam Woodyard is Lee Woodyard’s cousin and somebody that I have coached for many years and when the chance came to work together again we both jumped at the chance Adam has a never say die attitude and can play in several positions.

“He is set for his first season at this level but I am very confident he has the ability to play at this level and above if he can improve on certain aspects of his game.”

Also signing is Nick Coles, who has signed from Sutton Athletic.

Longhurst said: “Nick has played for me on a Sunday and has impressed largely with his attitude to wanting to learn as he has great attributes already that will allow him to do well at this level and I look forward to the challenge of improving him technically.”

Longhurst also tonight unveiled his retained list, which includes Lee Craig, Ben Payne, Lee Woodyard, Lee Barnett, Jimmy Beauchamp, Paul Springett, Sam Dixon, Sam May, Sam Biggs, Rikki McDonnell and Terry Murphy.

“We have several players on trail at the moment and I have spoken to several other targets that I hope to sign in the next 7 days,” revealed Longhurst.

“All in all I have lost just one of the summer targets that I set for and he has signed for Sittingbourne in a higher league and knowing the lad well I actually advised him to go and play at the highest level he could and if doesn’t work out then he’ ll come back and be very welcome at Slade Green.

Two players, however, to leave the club are Joe Horlock and Craig Thomson.

The manager explained: “Joe is one of the most naturally gifted players I have ever worked with but his attitude isn’t what I expect at this football club.

“I work with the lad everyday and he is a good friend but in football terms he is not right for this football club so we have parted on good terms.

“I’m sure Joe will find a club perhaps he would be better suited to a higher level and then he may apply himself properly but until he does so he will be another player talked about what he might have done in football, not what he actually achieved.

“I have also released Craig Thomson, who just wasn’t going to push for a starting position this season so I felt it only fair that he went and played his football somewhere else .

“If there is anyone interested in these players feel free to contact me via the club as I would like to see them both playing football next year.

“I have spoken to a couple of defenders that have played at this level and above and hope to sign at least one of them as well as a wide player that again has played at this level and above and hope he will put pen to paper.

“The main aim now is to get a centre forward in. If I get who I want then that will complete the squad that we go back with all signed as well as several trialists.

“I am very confident that Slade Green as a whole will be in a better position this pre season than last and hopefully we can push on during the season.

“I am very happy with the way we have managed to move forwards as a club off the pitch and on it over recent months and with some hard work will make this promise turn in to a realisation.

“Pre-season is going to be aimed at firstly getting the players match fit the right way and gelling together the squad quickly which is why I have acted so soon to get the players signed so we don’t have the 40 player scenario for the first three weeks at pre season.

“I set my targets of players and have got 99% of them so far, as well as that we will work on a couple of patterns of play and set pieces so that we are well drilled.

“All the games we have arranged we aim to get something different from whether that be shape , fitness etc that is something I will discuss with the players in due course.

“So all in all we are going in the right direction and will continue to do so during the next few weeks with the end result and good pre season and a good Kent League campaign.”

Article courtesy of www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc