Soccer Shorts: Ashford United sign Tom Michelson and Stuart West from rivals Hollands & Blair

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ALDERSHOT TOWN have signed former Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy. The Shots are a full-time outfit in the Vanarama National League but finished 10 places lower than Chris Kinnear’s side last season.

ASHFORD UNITED manager Danny Lye has signed central midfielder Tom Michelson, 25, and central defender Stuart West from their Southern Counties East Football League rivals Hollands & Blair.

Michelson told www.ashfordunitedfc.com: “Danny told me of his ambitions for the club and where he wants to take Ashford starting with promotion this season. He has also told me where I would fit in the team and how he wants me to play, which suits me down to a tee.

West scored 16 goals for Hollands & Blair last season on their way to runners-up spot under their ex-boss Paul Piggott.

Michelson added: “Just like to say what a fantastic signing Westy is as well. He’s a superb centre half. I’ve played with him for a while now and don’t think I’ve seen him have a bad game.

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith has signed former Whitehawk winger David Martin, 31.

Martin has previously played for Slade Green, Dartford, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Derby County, Southend United and Luton Town during his career.

He was a key member in guiding Brighton-based Whitehawk to the National League South play-offs last season.

Smith told www.bromleyfc.net/tv: “David will be a key member of the squad for us this season.  He has plenty of league experience and I look forward to seeing what he can do in a Bromley shirt.

The Ravens have also given former Academy scholar Jordan Higgs, 18, his first professional contract with the club.

The midfielder has been playing senior football for Carshalton Athletic since 2013, where he has gone on to make over 80 appearances and has won player-of-the-season twice.

Smith saw a chance to bring Higgs back into the Bromley squad and the midfielder featured in the National League towards the end of last season both in the starting eleven and as a substitute.

Smith said: “I am delighted to sign Jordan on a contract. I am a huge admirer of his talent and I have known him for many years when I was a part of the Academy set-up.

“I was disappointed when we could not keep him previously. Let it be known that he is not here to make up the numbers. Jordan will be a first team player and will be challenging for a starting eleven place just like the rest of the squad.”

CRAY WANDERERS officials say they are appealing against Sadiq Khan’s decision to block the club building their new stadium in Chislehurst despite Bromley Council giving the Ryman League club to go-ahead in April.

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman has unveiled the signing of former Gillingham and Maidstone United midfielder Alex Brown, 23.

Burman told www.dartfordfc.com: “I am pleased that we have signed Alex for next season. He is a very good young midfield player who will bring plenty of energy into that area of the field. He also has an eye for goal with his desire to get into the opponents’ box.”

GREENWICH BOROUGH have signed Irish goalkeeper Ronan Forde, 25.

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Jay Saunders says Charles Banya has left the club due to transport issues commuting from his south east London home by public transport.

Banya, 22, made 18 appearances during his time with the promoted club. He was forced to miss a month after suffering concussion during the home game against Basingstoke Town in March.

Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “Charles was car sharing last season and without that option it was going to be costly and time consuming for him to get to Maidstone three or four times a week.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s signed up by a club nearer his home and we wish him every success for the future.

Saunders has completed the signing of former Ebbsfleet United central defender Anthony Acheampong, 26.

MARGATE have completed the signing of rapid winger Matthias Fanimo, 22, from National League club Eastleigh.

While at West Ham’s Academy, Fanimo equalled Antonio Valencia as the fastest footballer in the world, 0.2 seconds quicker than Gareth Bale and 0.5 seconds quicker than Christiano Ronaldo, who both play for Spanish Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Famino has also represented England at under 16, under 17 and under 18 level, making his under 18 debut against Slovakia in 2011, but now finds himself in the National League South at Margate.

SITTINGBOURNE have appointed former Hollands & Blair goalkeeper coach Damien Hopkins, while Jono Richardson becomes player-coach.

Meanwhile, after THAT humiliating defeat to Iceland last night, non-league football returns to Kent on Saturday with a couple of pre-season friendlies.

Ian Jenkins and Ricky Bennett take charge of Erith Town for the first time at cup-double winners Glebe, which will also be Adam Woodward’s first game in charge of the Chislehurst based club.

Kent Football United play Rochester City at Wrotham School.