12thdec05

Monday 12th December 2005

Door is open for Tompkins' return
EXCLUSIVE

Bromley joint-manager George Wakeling has confessed he hasn't seen his new signing Ashley Carew in action, writes Stephen McCartney.

Described as an attacking midfielder on the club's website, Carew, who began his career at Gillingham, where he was given a three-year scholarship and played in the side that reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup in 2004, was recommended to the Hayes Lane boss by striker Jones Awuah.

Whilst with the Gills, Carew, gained some experience of non-league football during short loan spells at Worthing and Welling United.

And in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Wakeling explained why he signed him. "Well, he wants a club, he wants to get fit and put himself back on the scene. He's got nothing to lose so we'll give him that opportunity."

When asked what he's expecting from the player, Wakeling replied: "I'm not expecting anything from him. I'm hoping the lad shows us he's a good player like any other player we hope to sign. I can't expect a lot from him as I haven't seen him play."

After their resilient goal-less draw at league leaders Hampton & Richmond Borough last week, Bromley suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Redbridge on Saturday, with Carew watching the entire game from the substitutes bench.

Awuah, who scored both the Kent side's goals, has now taken his tally up to five in nine games, against a side that's vast improving under their new manager Allan Fenn.

Speaking about Awuah, Wakeling said: "We are still looking for a little bit extra but he's got to be pleased with himself and the goals he's got."

And Wakeling admitted poor defending allowed Redbridge to celebrate their first league win of the season.

"They are going to improve with a new manager and new players," warned Wakeling. "A week ago they beat Harrow Borough in the FA Trophy. But we didn't take them lightly. We gave away bad goals and we got punished on the day."

Fourth from bottom Wealdstone are the visitors to Hayes Lane on Saturday, and Wakeling demands that his players compete.

"I watched them lose 2-1 to Fisher and they're going to give us a hard game and we've got to be up for it," he said.

Midfielder Sam Wood, meanwhile, is still having treatment on his dead leg he sustained during their recent 3-2 defeat by Slough Town, and Wakeling added: "We are also missing (Allan) McLeod, but what can you do? You just move on don't you!"

Following speculation over the future of South African defender Steve Potterill, the club issued the following statement: "He is still plagued by his back injury and is undergoing specialist treatment. He is unlikely to play again in the near future but is still a Bromley player at this moment in time."

Wakeling admitted he was disappointed with his side's defending at Oakside Stadium, which is a goal-kick away from Barkingside tube station. "Disappointed with the goals that we gave away," he said. "After Tuesday's performance where we restricted (Hampton & Richmond Borough) to few opportunities but to go to Redbridge to give away the goals was disappointing.

"At any level to give away the goals we did - we deserved to lose on that fact alone."

But Wakeling has left the door open for experienced striker Mark Tompkins to make a welcome return to Hayes Lane when his successful loan spell expires at Ryman League Division One side Banstead Athletic this week.

Tompkins, a striker who can hold the ball up, has hit a rich vein of form for the Surrey side, which included scoring their second goal in their 2-1 win over Dover Athletic at Merland Rise last Tuesday, a result which upset many Whites' fans.

"He's happy, he's getting himself fitter and the doors open" revealed Wakeling. "He knows we want him back, the doors open but the way he's playing and scoring goals, who knows?

Wakeling has admitted he won't be delving into the transfer market "at the moment", and added: "We just have to get ourselves back to where we were, (being) consistent and not giving away silly goals and re-group."

Bromley v Wealdstone
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 17th December 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Courage Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley