Seager unveils two new signings to add competition

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marc Seager has today unveiled his first two summer signings, writes Stephen McCartney.

Seager has fought off competition from another couple of clubs to land the signing of central defender Paul Ainsworth, 23, who has signed from their Ryman League Division One South rivals Sittingbourne.

Ainsworth joined Sittingbourne in October 2003 having been a product of the then Tonbridge Angels PASE set-up and proved himself to be a very competent defender during his time at Bourne Park.

"As a manager you’re always trying to improve your side and I believe that’s exactly what Paul Ainsworth will do," Seager told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

"I think he’s a top player, he’s a young lad, big and strong with a lot of experience for his age and he’s going to fit in really well and strengthen the side."

Seager, who has re-signed a vast majority of last season’s squad, has only lost defender Steven Lloyd to Ryman Premier League side Ramsgate, and striker Danny Lawrence, who is expected to return to Kent League neighbours Herne Bay.

And he feels that his number one goalkeeper Kevin Fewell, 25, will benefit with the competition coming from his second summer signing, Jack Crawford, 19, who arrives from Blue Square Premier side Stevenage Borough.

Seager said: "We’ve signed more than less 95% of the boys from last year and I’ve signed a young goalkeeper called Jack Crawford just to give Kevin Fewell a bit of competition.

"He’s one for the future. He spent time with Birmingham City in their academy and then moved on to Stevenage Borough and when he came to the end of his time there he was going to go on trial at Gillingham but he had a shoulder injury.

"He’s just come back from that and got himself fit and I’m glad he’s come on board with us."

Seager was without a recognised second choice goalkeeper during their inaugural Ryman League Division One South campaign last season, relying on veteran goalkeeper coach Mark Lane in emergencies.

But Crawford will provide Fewell the competition he needs to keep the tag of being one of the best goalkeepers in the Ryman League.

"Kevin will be the first to admit that he needs that competition," said Seager.

"You want people fighting for your positions. I’m trying to build a big, strong squad that keeps players on their toes.

"If players drop below the standards that they’ve set then they’ve got to expect to lose their shirts.

"I’m not going to hide that Kevin’s my number one and is one of the best keepers in the Ryman League.

"He’s 25, he’s been around since a very young age and to me he’s getting stronger and stronger each year.

"We didn’t really have a number two last year, we just had Laney covering a couple of games but as a manager you want good balance and good strength throughout the squad and that’s what we’re trying to achieve."

Without a big budget himself, Seager is delighted that Ainsworth’s move to Belmont Road is not money orientated.

"I’m over the moon with Paul’s signing as I’m a big admirer of Paul Ainsworth and he’s a smashing lad and a good player," said Seager.

"What really sold me was he came training and he’s attitude was spot on.

"There’s a lot of players who all they seem to talk about is money at the moment and that never came into the conversation.

"All he wanted to know was the future of the club and our ambitions. He’s an ambitious lad and wants things done right.

"We try to look after our players at Whitstable and that they’re part of something."

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk