14thjan05

Myatt makes quick return to old stamping ground

FORMER Bromley captain John Myatt has left Ryman League Division One side Cray Wanderers to make a return to his former side Banstead Athletic, writes Stephen McCartney.

Myatt  - a PE Teacher from Sidcup - played for Banstead six-years ago and was happy to return to Merland Rise after struggling to hold down a first team place with high-flying rivals Cray Wanderers.

Myatt started his career at Crystal Palace in their youth and reserve teams from 1989-1991 and won the South East Counties League  championship with the Eagles.  He also had a spell at Wycombe Wanderers when current Celtic boss Martin O'Neil was a successful manager there.

The central midfielder, however, drifted into the non-league game, playing for Tooting & Mitcham (1991-96), Croydon (1996-98) and then Banstead Athletic (1989-99) before joining Bromley in 1999.

However, he returned to Hayes Lane in December 2000 after a short spell with Croydon and then signed for Cray Wanderers in the close season following his release from Bromley after making 204 appearances, scoring 12 goals for the Ravens.

Myatt - a professional when holding post-match interviews said: "I'd been dropped into right-back but was doing okay.

"But then Cray made a couple of new signings and it was impossible for them to change things around to get me back into the side, as they were doing well.

"So I thought to myself there's not much point sitting on the bench at my age and I wanted to get moving again."

As soon as Banstead boss John Langford heard that Myatt might be available he was only too happy to bring him back to Merland Rise.

He said: "It was a fairly easy deal.  He wasn't happy at Cray as he wasn't a regular and he wanted to play football.

"He's been with us before so he knows the club.  I've always kept in touch with him and now was the right time to bring him back."

Langford, however, is hopeful that Myatt's experience can help the A's to close out more matches, as they continue to concede costly late goals.

"He'll add experience to the side, because I think we are a bit naive at times," he said.

"John can come in and give valuable experience to the side.  I just think he'll be a calm head on the field."

At 31 - a loyal club man - and someone that can take the pre-match warm ups - he also had a successful short spell in charge of Bromley last season along with their chairman Jerry Dolke and goalkeeping coach Derek Parnham - and he will surely be an asset to a side that are competing to beat the drop.

Myatt, however, makes a quick return to Hayes Lane on Saturday.  Banstead travel to Cray Wanderers and he will surely be looking to put one over his former side.  But one thing is for sure, he will enjoy a drink with his former team-mates after the game!

Cray Wanderers v Banstead Athletic
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 15th January 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley