We're determined to succeed, vows Seager

Whitstable Town manager Marc Seager is “delighted” to announce two more signings ahead of their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Central defender Steven Lloyd, 22, has opted for a move from Whitstable’s former Kent League rivals, Herne Bay, whilst left-sided player, Theo Kennedy, 18, arrives from Blue Square Premier outfit, Ebbsfleet United.

“You could say that I am absolutely delighted to add these two quality players to our already very strong squad,” Seager told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“I would like to welcome both Steven and Theo to the Belmont and wish them both all the very best for the forthcoming season and beyond.

“Both players are very young and shows that not only am I trying to build a big strong squad, but I’m also building for the future with four of my six summer signings being 22-years-old and below.

“And let’s not forget the home grown talent that is already at the club; players like Sam Rigden, Harry Gower, Joe Smith and Nick Lingham, who have all just finished their last year at under 18 level and now look to break their way into the first team dressing room.”

Seager, who clinched the Kent League title and Kent Senior Trophy in his first full season as a manager at The Belmont last season, explained why he’s brought the pair to the Ryman League Division One South newcomers.

He said: “Steven Lloyd, although only 22-years-old, is already a very experienced player and comes with the reputation of being a very strong defender.

“I have been so impressed with his attitude over the past week, especially around the fact that for the past few season’s, he knows that he has always been one of the first names on the team sheet, and could easily have stayed in that comfort zone.

“But he doesn’t want that, he wants to play at a higher level, is prepared to fight for his shirt and has enough confidence in his own ability to believe that he can make the number five short his own, which for any manager, is great to hear from a new signing.”

Lloyd, explained to Herne Bay fans on their fans’ forum, why he’s decided to leave Winch’s Field.

“As you all know by now, I had to make a very hard decision as to whether to leave the club or not,” he told www.hernebayfc.net.

“I have now decided for the benefit of my own football to sign for Whitstable in the Ryman One.”

Seager admitted that Kent’s highest ranked non-league football club in Kent, are losing out on talented youngsters, as they don’t field a reserve side at the Stonebridge Road club.

“Theo Kennedy is 18-years-old and joins us from Ebbsfleet United, after being released during the close season,” said Seager.

“I feel that had Ebbsfleet had a reserve side then Theo wouldn’t have been released, but as they don’t it’s very hard for them to keep younger players on board and wait to see if they develop into Conference players.

“I have every confidence that over a period of time that not only will it be proved that our gain is Ebbsfleet’s loss but also that Theo will go on and prove that the decision to release him was a mistake.”

Whitstable Town welcome Canterbury City to The Belmont on Saturday, in what is the visitors’ first game back in football.

“The players have worked hard in their first week back and I have been very impressed by the levels of fitness on show, which tells me that they have looked after themselves during the close season,” praised Seager.

“It also shows me that they are determined to do well in their first season as Ryman League players and hopefully last season’s success has given them extra drive and ambition.

Canterbury City’s chairman, Mr Phil Knight, is looking forward to the reborn club’s return.

He told www.canterburycityfc.com  “The fixture is a real measure of the progress we have made off the field over the last twelve months and the performance on the pitch should be a useful yardstick for the coming season.

A crowd of over 500 is expected at The Belmont for this game.

Visit club websites:

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

www.canterburycityfc.com

Whitstable Town v Canterbury City
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 21^st July 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent