The chairman has given me time to build properly, says Canterbury City player-boss Simon Austin

CANTERBURY CITY player-manager Simon Austin says he is under no pressure during his first season in management.


The 31-year-old striker, who finished last season at Canterbury’s landlords Herne Bay, has taken over the reins at the Kent League club.

Austin has already made three summer signings as he prepares for the new campaign. 

Nick Hegley, 31, a left-winger, who has previously played for Coventry City, Ebbsfleet United, Hastings United, Folkestone Invicta, Maidstone United, VCD Athletic and Chatham Town, has put pen to paper, as has versatile defensive man Jason Barton, 32, who was vice-captain of Ryman League Division One North side Chatham Town last season.

Barton, who can play at left-back, centre back and in the middle of the park, has also featured for Tonbridge Angels, Tunbridge Wells, Redhill, Maidstone United and VCD Athletic.

And goalkeeper Kieron Mann, 24, has today agreed to sign, after leaving Ryman League Division One South and Kent Senior Cup holders Hythe Town.

The former Folkestone Invicta stopper played second fiddle behind American goalkeeper Dean Ruddy last season and has decided to drop down one division to team up with Austin.

“Kieron wanted to come and play for me, despite having bigger offers from clubs in higher leagues,” said Austin.

“Kieron was attracted to why I am here, to build for Canterbury City.   It’s refreshing for it to be about football, the club and personnel, rather than just money.

“Kieron brings with him the type of quality and experience I am after having won the Kent League (with Hythe Town fourteen months ago).

“I believe I have signed the best keeper in the league, which is exactly why he was my first choice.

“At only 24, Kieron knows he is young enough to be a part of this club as it grows, which was also part of the attraction.”

Austin added: “Kieron becomes my third new signing and along with Nick (Hegley) and Jason (Barton).  He can’t wait to join all of the current squad for the start of pre-season on 30 June.”

Reflecting on Hegley and Barton joining the club, Austin added: “Again, both have the right quality, experience and character.

“All three are exciting signings and will not only individually improve the squad, will also help the current players step it up a level as I know they can from what I have seen at the end of last season.”

Canterbury City finished last season in ninth place in the Kent League table and Austin explained the club’s aspirations next term.

He said: “I am under no illusions to win anything this year, unlike a few other teams in the league, so we’ll be patient with my signings and make sure they are right for the team.

“By saying I’m not under any pressure to win anything also means that the club are doing things properly as can be seen with all the hard work in the background around the ground etc.

“The chairman knows that to do things properly takes time and he has given me the time to build properly.”

Austin explained why the club haven’t confirmed any pre-season fixtures as yet.

He added: “Unfortunately our fixture secretary and board member Keith Vaughan is unwell at present.  I would like to say from myself, all of my players, we wish Keith a speedy recovery and our best wishes to Keith and his family.”

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.org  

Article published: 20:40  – Friday 1 June 2012