Soccer Shorts: Croydon continue search for new coach

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FOOTBALLERS in Staplehurst will soon have new changing rooms after they were awarded £390,000 from the Football Foundation.

The cash grant means Staplehurst Parish Council can build the new facilities on Headcorn Road to benefit clubs in the village.

Chairman of Staplehurst Monarchs Nigel Best and chairman of Staplehurst and Monarchs United Mick Hooker both said in a statement: “The football foundation award is a fantastic moment in the history of the football clubs in Staplehurst.

“It will secure the long term future of football within our village. We thank the Football Foundation as well as our local funders and members for their support and financial backing to achieve our dream.

“We look forward to the opening of the improved facilities midway through next season, which will enable all teams to play again within the village.”

Meanwhile, Kent League club Tunbridge Wells report back to pre-season training next Saturday, 14^th June (11am). Two other Kent clubs have already returned to prepare for next season, fellow Kent League side Greenwich Borough and relegated Gillingham, who will be playing in the lowest level of League football next season, League Two.

Dickson Gill, who has dual managerial and chairman duties at Kent League side Croydon, admitted that he’s lost out on a new coach after negotiations broke down this week.

“It didn’t work out actually,” Gill admitted to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today. “I don’t want to give you his name because it won’t be fair on him if he goes anywhere.

Gill would like to hear from anyone interested in coaching the Kent League side as he has off-the-field matters to contend with.

“It just didn’t work out so we’re looking for an experienced coach,” he said.

“I don’t want to do too much because I’ve got so many more things on this year with work and club commitments.

“Looking after the club itself is quite commanding (but) the club is a lot more stable than it has been for a lot of years.”

The board of directors of Erith & Belvedere have reluctantly approved an increase in the adult match day prices at Park View Road next season.

Adults will now pay £7 to enter the Welling based stadium on match days, an increase of £1 on last season’s prices - £3 less than watching Ryman Premier League football at Dartford, Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels - who play two league’s higher than the Deres.

A statement issued by the Kent League club on it’s website, explained the reasons behind the price hike.

“The football club reduced its admission prices following its relegation from the Southern League at the end of the 2004-05 season but now feels that the £1 increase is necessary in an effort to stabilise the spiralling costs of running a semi-professional football club.”

Concessionary rates (Over 65 and Under 16) will remain the same at £4 while Under 11 Season Ticket (sponsored by DISA) holders will be admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult. Non Season Ticket holding Under 11's will be charged £1.

However, in a measure to counteract the increase in adult prices, Season Ticket prices will remain the same at just £80. This represents even greater value than last season when compared to the match to match costs. And remember, Under 11 Season Tickets (sponsored by DISA) are FREE!

Fans who wish to apply for season tickets can do so by clicking on www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk.

Hythe Town are opening their clubhouse every Thursday from 8pm. It is hoped that all interested parties will make use of this opportunity to catch up with any news or activities at Reachfields Stadium.

Initially, opening will be from 8-9pm, but the bar at Fort Road will stay open for longer if required to do so by those present.

Also, anyone interested in membership or a Supporters’ Club or a Vice President’s club would be most welcome.

Visit club websites:

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

www.croydon-fc.co.uk

www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

www.hythetownfc.co.uk