Star strikers reject Wells' advances

Kent League side Tunbridge Wells are still searching for a new strike partnership, having lost the services of Dave Hassett and Dave Blundell, writes Stephen McCartney.

Dave Hassett, who scored six goals on his return to the club from Kent League rivals Greenwich Borough last season, has opted for a move to Kent League rivals, Erith & Belvedere, whilst 21-year-old Blundell, who scored six, has dropped a division and has signed for Kent County League neighbours Rusthall.

And Steve Gibbons, the assistant manager of Tunbridge Wells, has revealed the club made enquiries for two new strikers, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

Former Bromley and Sevenoaks Town striker, Andy Constable was lined up with a move to Culverden Stadium from Ryman League Division One South newcomers, Whitstable Town.

And James Carter, who last season played for the Wells whilst on a dual registration with Dartford in a bid to regain his match fitness, was also expected to sign.

“We had two potential new strikers that we were negotiating with,” Gibbons told the fans’ forum at www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“We had lined Whitstable Town striker Andy Constable, who was thinking of a change of scenery and met with (manager) Martin Farnie.

“But Andy now it seems is willing to stay at Whitstable. I might add this was a footballing not a money decision.

“On the same day that Andy decided he was staying an Oysterman, another of the targets, Dartford’s Jimmy Carter, received a fabulous offer from Redhill to link up once again with old boss Tommy Sampson.

“Jimmy is also moving out of Kent to Epsom so travelling would have been an issue, had he signed.

“Both seemed keen to join us and would have formed a formidable partnership up front.

“If I am honest, we had pinned our hopes of these two joining us, and we’re bitterly disappointed by the outcome. It’s a shame as we were very close to capturing their signatures.”

Gibbons has vowed the west Kent club will find the right men to score the goals that will improve their form, having finished third from bottom last season.

He said: “We will keep looking and will do our utmost to find the right men for the job.

“We won’t be held to ransom and have some exciting young strikers that are very capable at this level of scoring goals; Luke Wallond, Dean Spencley and Charlie Sharman have all been mentioned, but they will need help from more experienced strikers to help them develop their games, but they will all get there. Playing is the best education.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk