I'm glad to be getting back into football after beating throat cancer, says Chris McCarthy

Friday 18th July 2014

CHRIS McCARTHY has won his own personal battle against throat cancer to return to the dug-out.

The former chairman of Beckenham Town has been appointed assistant manager at Kent Invicta League side Eltham Palace, where his nephew Charlie, 24, is manager.

“Charlie, my nephew, has asked me to be his assistant manager this season at Eltham Palace, which I have agreed to do,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to helping him.

“I’m glad to be getting back into football after fighting and beating throat cancer over the last two and a half years.

“It’s been a s**t time for my friends and family over the last three years, but I’m still here, whereas four people I was in hospital with have passed away.

“Life is good and I’m looking forward to helping Charlie.”

The pair have brought in some younger players as the club prepare for their second Kent Invicta League campaign, after finishing in the bottom four under a different management team last season.

“My son Tyler McCarthy, a sixteen-year-old Maidstone United Academy goalkeeper has signed for Eltham Palace on a dual-registration,” revealed Chris.

“Kieran Hughes, a seventeen-year-old Maidstone United Academy player has dual-signed also.

“We believe in giving youth a chance. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Chris McCarthy was Beckenham Town chairman when the club claimed to have signed former England and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham in 2009.

Sheringham, now 48, was supposed to feature for the club’s FA Vase ties – but he never played for the club.

“I might even try to get Teddy Sheringham to sign and play for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Beckenham Town host Premier League neighbours Crystal Palace to Eden Park Avenue tonight (7:30pm).

Secretary Peter Palmer told www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk: “We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest in the match with ticket enquiries and requests for match day programmes.

“There is a large number of Palace fans in the Beckenham area, some of which we see at our matches when Palace are away.

“The last time Palace visited us was in the Surrey Senior Cup back in November 2005; that was a tremendous evening, but since then Palace seem to have cultivated a following which in terms of atmosphere and volume equals anything in the Premiership.

“Let’s hope we can welcome them to Eden Park Avenue.”

The Southern Counties East Football League club confirm that manager Jason Huntley has managed to keep together last season’s Cup double winning squad, other than goalkeeper Rilwan Anibaba who has signed for league rivals Erith & Belvedere.

New signings included in tonight’s squad include former Bromley and Carshalton Athletic defender John Fogarty, Ress Longville-Daley from Ryman League Division One South side Walton & Hersham.

Goalkeeper Jack Kelly has arrived from their league rivals Greenwich Borough – after losing his place to Craig Holloway – whilst Shaun Johnson has dropped down a division to sign from Burgess Hill Town.

Visit Beckenham Town’s website: www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk

Beckenham Town v Crystal Palace
Pre-Season Friendly
Friday 18^th July 2014
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3JL