Striker movements in North Kent

Thursday 20th July 2006

By Mark Stokes and James Brown

Andy Martin is poised to sign for Faversham Town when he returns from the club's three-day break in Ireland at the weekend - with the blessing of his old boss Marc Seager.

Striker Martin has impressed Faversham Town manager Terry Cordice in pre-season training and is almost certain to put pen to paper with the Salters Lane club next week.

Whistable Town chief Seager admits he is sorry to see Martin leave The Belmont but feels the player may have to move for the sake of his career.

He explained: "I feel a bit sorry for Andy because he'd probably get into most Kent League teams. It's just that not many clubs can boast the strength in depth we have.

"He wants to play first team football and at his age I think needs to but I can't guarantee that for him there."

Seager has an embarrassment of riches in attack following the capture of young striker Stuart King from Herne Bay.

King, 18, joined Whitstable Town this week after being released from his contract having been Herne Bay's leading marksman with an impressive 23 goals in 17 games last season.

Seager explained: "Stuart had been under contact at Herne Bay but it was not renewed which I have to admit surprised me.

"He came to us because he did not feel he was in Herne Bay's plans and because he was not enjoying his football.

"I told him about the cut in our budget but he said he was not interested in the money. He just wants to enjoy his football again.

"I'm told he comes with a bit of baggage but I've not seen any evidence of it yet. He's worked hard in training and is looking sharp.

"He says he wants to score the goals that fire us out of the Kent League and for an 18-year-old to talk like that shows great confidence. I feel Herne Bay's loss will be our gain."

King is one of three signings made by Seager this week, although the other two players are both more familiar to the Belmont faithful.

Midfielder Lee Jones has re-signed after missing the whole of last season with a knee injury while keeper Kevin Fewell joins on a permanent basis having played on loan last season.

Mark Stokes is deputy sports editor of the Faversham News

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Matches involving the three sides:

Saturday 22nd July 2006
Cork City v Faversham Town

Herne Bay v Chatham Town
at Winch's Field, Stanley Gardens
Kick Off 3:00pm

Whitstable Town v Dartford
at The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable
Kick Off 3:00pm