Stevens' takeover delays are harming preparations for new season

Gary Stevens believes the delay preventing him taking over his home-town club, Tunbridge Wells, is harming manager Martin Farnie’s plans for the new Kent League season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Culverden Stadium club have lost the services of striker Dave Hassett (Erith & Belvedere), Richard Radbourne (Faversham Town), whilst midfielder Kevin Brown and striker Dave Blundell have opted to move to neighbouring club Rusthall, who ply their trade one division lower, in the British Energy Kent County League.

“I am amazed that the process of acquiring Tunbridge Wells Football Club has taken so long and is still far from concluded,” Stevens said on www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“There are numerous reasons behind the delay, including the invalid appointment of Trustee’s in the past, the alleged failure to maintain Culverden Stadium in accordance with the lease, and certain parties who have become uncooperative having previously voted in favour of the change of structure for the future improvement of the club.

“Certainly we are at least two months behind where I intended the club to be at this stage and every day and week that passes by, leaves us further disadvantaged for the coming season.

“Martin Farnie and his coaching staff have had excellent training facilities made available to them for pre-season and this will apply throughout the coming seasdn, but with so much uncertainty, a number of players, who have wanted to join the club, and increase competition for places, have reluctantly stayed put.

“The coming season will be far more difficult than Martin and I had hoped, but anything good is worth waiting for and in time the club will flourish and thrive, both on and off the pitch.”

Article courtesy of www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Dartford
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 24^th July 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells.