Guiver signing will give Faversham a lift, says Luchford - EXCLUSIVE

HERNE BAY chairman John Bathurst has launched a scathing attack on Roy Guiver on the eve of the defenders switch to Faversham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 24-year-old will put pen to paper for Kent League rivals Faversham Town tomorrow night, leaving Mr Bathurst “really annoyed!”.

Mr Bathurst gave Guiver and team-mate Martin Chandler a lift to and from Folkestone to enable them to play in their recent midweek Kent Senior Trophy game at Croydon, who play at Croydon Sports Arena in South Norwood.

The chairman dropped the pair off at 00:30 - having to get up for work just four hours later, and is perplexed with the way that Guiver has departed.

“I received a phone call before the Croydon Cup game that Guiver and Martin Chandler couldn’t get to the game and could I pick them up,” explained Mr Bathurst, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It transpired that they had no way to get back to Folkestone and I was the only person available to take them.

“I dropped them off in Folkestone at 00:30am - I asked how many chairmen who would have done that? I had to be up at 4:30am that morning!”

Mr Bathurst insists Guiver is making a bad move and claims it’s only for short-term financial gain.

He said: “The other players knew Faversham had spoken to Roy last Saturday but Roy told the players he wasn’t going.

“What I don’t understand is why? With a two-legged (Kent League Cup) semi-final coming up, and who knows maybe a final - Faversham (on the other hand) can win nothing!

“It can only be money. If we lose in the semis then I could understand him wanting to go.

“But going now is ridiculous, unless it’s money orientated.”

With Faversham Town currently fifth-from-bottom in the Kent League table with thirteen games remaining, joint-manager Justin Luchford revealed that he and Jimmy Strouts have written off the season and will go hell for leather for honours next term.

“Both Jimmy and I are looking to put a squad together for next season,” Luchford said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“If we can get the players in now then we will have time to work on how we want to do things so that we can hit the ground running for next season.”

On timings, the former Hythe Town assistant manager, explained: “We have made a seven day approach to Herne Bay (and) the seven days were up at the end of last week and we have spoken to Roy and he has decided to join us.

“We hope to complete the transfer on Thursday night when we meet up with the Herne Bay secretary to complete the paperwork.”

But Luchford knows all about the former Hythe Town and Folkestone Invicta man.

“I have known Roy for a number of years and have played with him as well as being the assistant manager when he played at Hythe,” he recalled.

“We have always stated that we are looking for the right blend of players. We need youth and we need experience.

“Roy will fortunately give us both. He is still young but has played at Ryman Premier League level for Folkestone Invicta.

But despite Mr Bathurst claims of a quick fix, Luchford insisted that Guiver is part of Faversham’s long term plans.

He said: “We see this as a long-term signing with Roy as we want to build a side capable of competing with the best sides in the Kent League.

“Roy is up for the challenge and is also looking to not just this season but many seasons to come.

“Over the past few years Roy has been at a few different clubs where it has been hard for him to settle. Hopefully now he will settle down and become the player everyone knows he can be.

“Roy will be a great addition to the squad and we’re both looking forward to working with him.”

“It’s a major coup for us. He has played at the higher level and has done a fantastic job as the captain of Herne Bay. The board and the management team are delighted to have him on board.”

Luchford has also signed former Bromley Green striker Marcus Hodges after opportunities at Hythe Town were limited,” explained Luchford.

“Marcus has been in an unfortunate situation at Hythe where Buster Smissen and Pat Kingwell have been doing ever so well down there and his chances have been limited.

“I had a chat with my friend (Hythe Town manager) Paul Fisk and he and Marcus agreed that he could move on.

“Marcus had scored bundles of goals at Bromley Green and we hope he can find that form again for us.

“We do already have two good strikers but we want to have competition for places all over and Marcus gives us that.”


Saturday’s Fixtures involving Kent League sides:

FA Carlsberg Vase Fifth Round (LAST SIXTEEN)

Hungerford Town v Greenwich Borough
(At Bulpit Lane, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0AY)
COVERAGE ON BBC RADIO KENT 96.7FM - and www.kentishfootball.co.uk will bring you in-depth reaction over the weekend.

Kent League Premier Division

Croydon v Faversham Town
(Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood)

Deal Town v Sevenoaks Town
(Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal)

Erith & Belvedere v Beckenham Town
(Park View Road, Welling)

Erith Town v Sporting Bengal United
(Erith Sports Stadium, Avenue Road, Erith)

Holmesdale v Slade Green (2pm)
(Oakley Road, Bromley)

Hythe Town v Tunbridge Wells
(Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe)

Lordswood v Herne Bay
(Martyn Grove, Lordswood, Walderslade)

Visit club websites:

www.hernebayfc.net

www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

www.hythetownfc.co.uk

www.kentleague.com