We won't stand in Cable's way, says McMahon - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 10th June 2007

Thamesmead Town manager Keith McMahon will be meeting with his contracted striker Rikki Cable on Tuesday night to discuss his future, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ryman Premier League newcomers Hastings United have confirmed their interest in the former Faversham Town striker, who scored 33 goals for the Kent League Cup winners last season.

“I’ve only just got back from holiday yesterday - we haven’t lost anyone yet,” McMahon said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“I’m expecting Rikki Cable to go. Rikki’s on contract but he wants to play a better standard of football.

“We need to have a discussion with him. We don’t want to stand in his way but if we can come to an agreement with him to move higher, we wish him well, but otherwise he’s on contract with us.

“He’s mentioned to me about Hastings the other week but until I actually speak to him and find out, if I can help him out, he’s definitely good enough to play higher.

“The whole season he scored 33 goals for us in something like 39 appearances - he’s worth a go.

“We will sort something out. I’m not looking to hold the player back but I’ve got a duty to the football club.

“We will sit down and explain things and reach an agreement and progress him. At this stage we’re not looking for a transfer fee.

“I’m not saying I won’t (ask for a transfer fee). We just need to sit down and see what’s beneficial to Rikki and Thamesmead.

“I’m not standing in his way. I will be surprised if he’s playing for us next year but I won’t release his contract for a Kent League club but he’s saying he’s not going to play for another Kent League club.”

McMahon, who led the Mead to a fourth place finish last season, has appointed Alan Seamons as his new coach after Anthony Potts left to play for rivals Slade Green.

He said: “He was at VCD, he’s a UEFA A licensed coach and I’ve known him for a lot of years and we played football together.”

And he hopes to persuade goalkeeper Steve Northwood, who wants to play Ryman League football next season, to stay.

He said: “Steve Northwood wants to play Ryman League football. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll be pleased to have him back.

“There’s not many places (at Ryman League clubs) up for grabs, otherwise we’ll benefit from that.

“He won’t be a number two. I think personally he will start training at Dartford to see if he gets in there.

“I’m speaking to Steve on Tuesday. We were fortunate to get Steve for the last part of last year, but we won’t stand in anyone’s way.”

He added: “I’ve got discussions with three other centre forwards at the moment.

“One looks very promising, I’ve got a meeting with two centre halves and a goalkeeper as well.

On the day McMahon revealed that the club are planning to build a new £3.85m “Mini Dartford” at their current Bayliss Avenue ground, the raven haired manager is confident that he will be attract new - and keep current - players.

He said: “We’ve already had an initial meeting and 95% have said they’re staying.

“Why would players want to leave? We’re a top four club, we’re challenging and winning cups and what’s happening at Thamesmead in the next year why would you want to leave?

“We’re the only club in the last six years to finish in the top four each year - and we’ve won four cups.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk