The standards set were not maintained and that's not good enough for me, says Ray Turner

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager Ray Turner says he has lost a couple of players to Southern Counties East Football League side Tunbridge Wells.



The Lilywhites finished in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table last season, having collected 68 points from their 46 games.

Turner revealed that right-back Aaron Lacy and striker Brendon Cass have opted to drop down a division to sign for Tunbridge Wells, who finished in fourth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League last season.

But the manager revealed that he has brought in two new players, Sam Bewick and Wayne Wilson from Hythe Town and Margate respectively.

“I would like to announce that club captain Aaron Lacy and striker Brendon Cass will be leaving Faversham Town and joining Tunbridge Wells for the coming season,” said Turner.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Aaron for his two years’ service as club captain. It was the right move for him, at the right time for both of us.

“Aaron was fully aware of my plans for the coming season and that I would be looking to freshen the squad up.

“He has informed me of his decision in the right way and he goes with my blessing and thanks.

“Aaron came to the club and did exactly what I asked him to do.  He was a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch and raised the profile of the club significantly.

“We have had two good years together. The club has gone from strength to strength, finishing the 2013 season in its highest league position in its history. Aaron was an integral part of that success.

“In this day of twitter and social network sites it makes a nice change for a player to leave in the right way which is the way it should be done.  He has done his job and now it’s time for me to take the team on with some different players.

“He has a great respect for everyone at the club and he will be down before the season starts to say his goodbyes in person.

“I know he would like to return to the club one day in a different capacity but for now he remains focused on playing. Tunbridge Wells will get a fully committed leader both on and off the pitch and he will be asset in their pursuit of Ryman football.

“The move will suit both Aaron's work and family commitments and all at Faversham Town wish him well with his new club.

Cass scored 13 goals for Faversham Town last season and will is a coup for Martin Larkin – who has lost the services of Andy Irvine - at Culverden Stadium.

“I would also like to thank Brendon Cass for his season with us.  He has been a pleasure to work with, by his own admission things did not quite work out for him during the season,” said Turner.

“Brendon is seeking a fresh challenge and I feel Tunbridge Wells have got a proven goal scorer who will score them a bundle of goals I have no doubt.

“As in Aaron's case it is nice to get a phone call and thank you and I appreciate the way both players have gone about it.  

Midfielder Bewick, 22, is one of many players that have left Hythe Town following the departure of Scott Porter this month.

“Although not a direct replacement Sam fits the mould of player I am seeking for the coming season,” Turner said of the former Tonbridge Angels and Maidstone United midfielder.

“He can play anywhere down the right hand side or central midfield and will give the team great energy and quality.

“He comes highly recommended from the previous management team at Hythe and will be a welcome addition.

“Sam has had to endure a terrible injury which needed a great deal of focus and determination to recover from. He thankfully has had no setbacks since returning to a Hythe side that showed real form towards the back end of the season.

“It was a very straight forward meeting with Sam. I explained my plans for the team and the club and he could see right away the potential at the club and appreciated just how far we have come.

“What was clearly evident to me was his hunger to play and make up for his lost time on the pitch.  I have no doubt he will be an asset on the pitch and I look forward to working with him.
 
Australian midfielder Wilson has re-signed for the club from Ryman Premier League club Margate, although he will continue to front that club’s head of football in the community at Hartsdown Park.

“Wayne has unfinished business with us and we are fully aware of his quality and what he brings to the team,” added Turner.

Wilson, who has made over 100 appearances for Margate, told the club website: “I am disappointed to be leaving Margate in a playing capacity. However, I am really looking forward to continuing my important role here at Margate as head of football in the community.

“Margate Football Club is on a journey under its new owners and I am absolutely delighted to still be involved through the community programme which will continue to expand as the club grows.

“I remain 100% committed to Margate Football Club and its youth and community values which over the years have become vital to the football club and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years.”

Meanwhile, Turner revealed his assistant manager Clive Walker, 68, will play a big part in the club’s youth structure.

The Faversham Town manager said: “As regards the rest of the squad I am in no rush this summer. I have a clear idea of how I want the team to play and how the club will function with a new under 21 side next season.

“We have some of the best young players in the county who have been invited to train at the club early June.

“Both myself and Clive will be working with these boys earlier than normal to ascertain which ones are ready now for first team football.

“Clive will manage the side as well as continuing his role as my assistant. These young players will not get a better education anywhere in the county than under Clive.  It will also ensure continuity and enable the first team and under 21's to function as one squad. This will generate the competition for places and the depth in the squad I was looking for to be successful.”

Turner added: “Ultimately the players in last years’ squad know my feelings.  The standards set were not maintained and this is not good enough for me. “

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