1stjuly03

Budget Cuts force Austin to leave Chatham Town for Stones
Dr Martens League Eastern Division side Chatham Town striker Simon Austin has joined Maidstone United reports www.kentonline.co.uk  The twenty-two year old, who started his career at Gillingham has attracted attention from a number of clubs in recent months after scoring 45 goals in 86 appearances for the Maidstone Road club.

Although Chatham boss Peter Coupland thought he would be able to persuade Austin to stay at the club, he understands the player's decision to drop down into the Kent League with Maidstone United.

Coupland said: "I'm obviously disappointed but out budget is a little tighter than I would have hoped and Maidstone could pay him more. "Simon is currently out of work so the money was a bigger issue than it normally would have been.  But I wish him the best of luck."