11thmar04

Slade Green can't compete with money men

Go Travel Kent League side Thamesmead Town has signed Dave Martin from local rivals Slade Green, writes Stephen McCartney.

The left-sided midfielder, who is one of the best young talents in the Kent League, has had an impressive season with Slade Green and joins the Bayliss Avenue outfit for the remainder of the season.

He will be making his debut for the home clash against defending champions Cray Wanderers at Bayliss Avenue on Saturday.

After receiving interest from Dr Martens League Eastern Division strugglers, Lee Loveridge has decided to stay at Thamesmead Town.

Slade Green manager, Phil Miles said: "On Monday afternoon Dave Martin decided to join Thamesmead Town, and considering our performance in the 1-0 defeat at home to Sevenoaks Town, it will probably be a good move for him and good luck to the lad, he has done a good job for me and I can't complain.

"His departure will certainly leave a hole, but I'm hopeful of having it filled by the weekend. 

"Dave's departure now concludes the exodus of our attacking quality players from the beginning of the season, having lose six players.  Pedro Knight, Tony Gallagher, Marcus Perons, Dean Bowey and Sam Prett have all moved to top four Kent League clubs and supposedly bettered themselves, depending who you listen to.  Just one question?

"How well would Slade Green be doing now if the club had kept them or if things had been different?

"I know players don't move around the Kent League for footballing reasons, if they had real ambition then they would try their luck at a higher level, but when teams offer you higher money it must be difficult for them to turn other club's down.

"Unfortunately the reality is, that if you don't have money you can't really compete, you may well do ok in a one off game, as we have done recently, but when you talk about titles, cups etc, Slade Green will never be mentioned.

"Although frustrating, we can be proud that other clubs actually want our players to improve their own teams, still it would have been nice to say to any of them, we can match that or we can do this and so keep them.

"We have spent time and energy picking up players from other clubs, some of who have not been enjoying their football when they have arrived, but we have worked hard to put smiles back on their faces and in doing so made them better footballers, frustrating for Slade Green but that's life!

"If only we had other things to offer rather than football and free beer."

Slade Green entertain Kent Senior Trophy finalists Hythe Town at The Small Glen on Saturday in the Go Travel Kent League Premier Division.  Looking ahead to the game, Miles added: "Firstly let me congratulate Hythe Town on their semi-final victory over Lordswood last weekend.  My opposite number, Paul Fisk and all the Hythe fans must be proud of how the team have moved forward this season.

"We all know we will be in for another tough game this weekend, if we play like we did against Sevenoaks Town on Tuesday then we will again get beaten.

"However, it will give us the chance to wipe away the Sevenoaks defeat and show that was a one off performance, we need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible."

Slade Green vs Hythe Town, Saturday 13 March 2004, Kick Off 3.00pm @ The Small Glen, Slade Green