Kentish Football 
I liked Deres' professionalism and plans, says new signing Lyons
Tuesday 08th June 2010
ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Micky Collins has unveiled his second summer signing as he brings in his second player from Chatham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.
Jim Lyons, 23, has been described as a versatile and creative midfield player and stands at 6’2’’ tall and played regularly for Chatham in Ryman League Division One South, having progressed through the Maidstone Road outfit youth and reserve teams.
He started out with the Tonbridge Angels youth section before switching to Chatham Town at sixteen-years-of-age.
A short spell with Faversham Town in 2007 was Lyons’ only time away from the club since.
Lyons, who was speaking to www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk, says he is looking forward to the Deres’ new management team, which includes Collins, Julian Leigh (assistant) and Simon Osborn (first team coach), a former professional with the likes of Crystal Palace, Neil Hunter (coach) and player-coach, Adrian Deane.
Lyons said: “I am extremely happy to sign for Erith & Belvedere.
“I have met with Micky and Julian and I like their professionalism and their plans for the new squad they are building.
“It will be great also to work alongside Simon Osborn, who has played in the Premiership! I can’t wait for pre-season to begin.”
Collins is delighted to have made Lyons his second summer signing, having snapped up goalkeeper Richard Stroud from the same club last month.
“I’m extremely happy with the signing of Jim Lyons,” Hadlow based Collins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.
“He will be an asset to our midfield. Not only is he a quality player, who has played a league higher than we’re in, he is also a really nice lad who wants to be part of the new era at Erith & Belvedere.
“I look forward to working with him.”
Chatham Town are now managed by former VCD Athletic boss Paul Foley, son of former Arsenal and Millwall assistant Theo, who guided the Crayford side to eighth place in Ryman League Division One North last season, having clinched the Kent League title twelve months earlier.
Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk
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