22ndjune04

Carter on trial at Dartford

DARTFORD manager Tommy Sampson is hoping 27-year-old striker Jim Carter impresses during his trial period at the Southern (Dr Martens) League Division One East outfit, writes Stephen McCartney.

Carter spent two-and-a-half years at Swindon Supermarine, where he found the back of the net on a regular basis, and has also tasted Southern League football whilst wearing the colours of Cirencester Town.

The Watford based, strong centre forward, recommended to the Darts' by Chippenham Town boss Tommy Saunders, will be assessed when pre-season training commences on 3rd July at Hall Place in Crayford, although Sampson admitted he will give the striker time to settle in and will make a final decision on the player at the end of July.

Although, he hasn't signed for the club, Carter will relish the chance to join Dartford for next season, as it will mean shorter distances for matches, as the teams Dartford will be playing next season are based in the North London and Essex areas, giving the player easier options to get to matches from his job, based in the City of London.

He will also provide competition for the club's other strikers, Paul Sykes, Tostao Kwashi, Jay May and Danny Nicholls.

Darts' boss Sampson said: "I met Jim and we discussed the traveling down from Watford and we have come to an agreement that he will train with us and see how pre-season goes.

"He was doing 200 mile round trips to Swindon last season.  He sees Dartford as a bit of a challenge, especially the league - he has been used to playing in the Dr Martens League Western Division, so it's a different kettle of fish for him," revealed the manager.

Sampson added: "He is a genuine Southern League player - very strong and a bit quick."

Sampson admitted he will blood Carter in most of the club's pre-season matches.

He added: "I want to see Jim play in the flesh.  People have told me that his attitude is spot on.

"The one thing I haven't had at Dartford is being able to afford a goalscorer.  I am hoping his reputation is good, and I will make a decision on him at the end of July.  Having another man at the club, and not a team full of youngsters, will be a bonus for us."

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