Vickers boss Foley makes two "unprecedented" star signings

VCD ATHLETIC boss Paul Foley has signalled his intentions for the new season by persuading two players to drop down two divisions to play for his promotion chasing team, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Crayford based outfit have finished their last two Kent League campaigns as runners-up to both Whitstable Town and Thamesmead Town but Foley wants his side to go one better this term.

Winger Nick Hegley and striker Simon Austin, who were playing Ryman Premier League football last season for Maidstone United and Horsham respectively, have signed for the club despite turning down offers elsewhere.

Goalkeeper Michael Holder, meanwhile, arrives from Vickers’ Kent League rivals Greenwich Borough and Foley has also strengthened his backroom staff.

Lee Haywood joins as goalkeeper coach, having played and managed Greenwich Borough’s reserves last season and Andy Silk, whose previous coaching roles have been with Bromley’s reserve side and Slade Green’s first team, arrives as coach from newly promoted Ryman Premier League outfit Tooting & Mitcham United.

“We managed to secure two big name signings for a Kent League club in Nick Hegley and Simon Austin,” a delighted Foley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I have been after Austo for some time now since taking on the job but he was enjoying huge success in the FA Cup and Ryman Premier with Horsham.

“But the uncertainty over the club and where they would be playing their games next year helped our cause.

“Simon is a very good technical player and proven goalscorer who will fit into our side well and add some creativity and quality to the side.

“He is good friends with Nick Hegley and that helped in getting Nick to sign also.

“We have been after a wide left player since taking on the manager’s job and Nick is a real talent who can be a match winner and has proved to be at a much higher level.”

Many in Kent will be surprised that two former Maidstone United players will be playing Kent League football next season.

But Foley insists the pair have made the right decision.

“When I met the pair of them at the ground recently the superb condition of the pitch and the excellent work that has taken place at the ground sealed the deal really,” explained former Maidstone United defender Foley.

“I left it with both of them to discuss with their respective managers to ensure that they were doing everything above board and thankfully they have both decided to help the club progress up the pyramid.

“Their decision is purely football based as they have both turned down more money with clubs higher up the pyramid, which is very refreshing to find these days and they just want to enjoy their football and play.

“Hopefully our style of play and the excellent playing surface at Oakwood will ensure that this happens and we have mutual success.

“These type of signings are unprecedented for a club like VCD which is finally losing its small club tag thankfully and is now an established Kent League club with real ambition.

“We are expecting to announce two more signings in a week or two with a couple of players that are attending pre-season following careful selection of the type of players we are after.”

Foley believes giant goalkeeper James Tedder, who has opted to sign for Ryman League Division One North side Chatham Town, has a bright future ahead of him.

“We were disappointed to lose James Tedder to Chatham Town but we wish James all the best for the future,” said Foley.

“I am sure he will end up playing at the top level of the non-league pyramid or hopefully for a league club as he is one of the best young keepers around.

“James had an excellent first season with us last year but he wanted to play in a higher league and we fully understand that decision even though this club has high hopes to progress up the pyramid.

Foley is delighted to have signed former Fisher Athletic goalkeeper Holder, who was a main stay in between the sticks at Harrow Meadow for five years.

He said: “We managed to beat a couple of other clubs to the signature of Michael Holder, who impressed against us last season and we feel sure that Michael will be a good signing for the club and help the club achieve the targets we have set ourselves this year.

“We have also enrolled Lee Heywood as goalkeeper coach to work with Michael, the reserve goalkeeper and under 18 keeper also.

“We also welcome Andy Silk to the club to act as first team coach, working alongside assistant manager Dean Frost (a former team-mate at Bromley), who recently completed his full FA bade in Northern Ireland.

“Silky is a great addition to the club joining us from Tooting & Mitcham where he acted as coach in their successful side. Andy is well known by Frosty and myself and will fit in very well at the club.”

Visit VCD Athletic's website: www.vcd-athletic.co.uk