With a good pre-season under his belt, I look forward to seeing Ricky Freeman at his best, says Whitstable Town boss Lloyd Blackman

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Lloyd Blackman says he has retained the services of striker Ricky Freeman as he prepares for his first season in charge at The Belmont.

 

The Oystermen finished in 12^th place in the Isthmian South East Division in Scott Porter’s final season in charge of the club and Blackman is preparing his squad for the new season.

“I hope you are all enjoying the summer break and the football free weekends. If you’re like me then I’m sure you’ll be itching for things to restart again,” Blackman, the former boss at Ramsgate told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“It’s always nice to have some time off to recharge the batteries, especially the players as they’re no doubt preparing for the return to pre-season.

“I and my staff have been working extremely hard to get everything in place ready for our return in July.

“I know the club too have been extremely busy behind the scenes and to hear the fantastic news regarding the transfer of the club to a limited company shows we are really moving in the right direction. A big well done to everyone involved. I know it’s been a very time consuming period.”

Blackman has retained the services of Freeman and has snapped up striker Marcus Elliott from Bostik Premier Division side Lewes.

“Marcus joins us from Lewes after spending most of last season on loan at East Grinstead Town,” said Blackman.

“He’s a proven goal scorer and I’m delighted to acquire his services knowing there were some clubs in higher divisions after him. Conversations I’ve had with Marcus have been extremely positive and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“When I came in for the last three games of the season to oversee the change with Scott Porter, Ricky Freeman was one of the players that really stood out for me. Therefore, I’m delighted to have him agreed for this season.

“Ricky had a disrupted campaign last season due to injury, however he ticks all the boxes and his character and experience are second to none. With a good pre-season under his belt, I look forward to seeing Ricky at his best.”

Whitstable Town have lost the services of coach Darren Anslow and centre-half Rob Gillman.

Anslow was appointed Lordswood’s new manager, while Gillman has been appointed Lordswood’s player-assistant manager, along with Owen Price.

“It was too good an opportunity for Darren to turn down and he had the burning desire to manage again,” said Blackman.

“Jordan Wright too has left the club to join Canterbury City. Unfortunately, we were just unable to agree terms, but these things happen in football. An ever-present last year and Canterbury have signed a top player.

“I’d like to place on record our thanks to them all for all their hard work during their time here and everyone at Whitstable Town wishes them all the very best for the future.

“In the meantime we will continue to do all we can to be ready for our return to pre-season in July. It’s been a very busy period but I’m extremely pleased with the squad we are assembling. I hope the boys enjoy the next few weeks off before we get back to business.”

Whitstable Town open their pre-season campaign with an away game against Margate Sports on Tuesday 9 July 2019.

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk