We are looking for the youngsters to showcase their talents, says Faversham boss Justin Luchford

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Justin Luchford says he will be making numerous changes for tonight’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Thamesmead Town at Salters Lane.

 

The First Round tie has already been postponed twice, but Luchford will be giving younger players the chance to impress against Keith McMahon’s side, with the winners away to Ramsgate in the quarter-finals on 8 March.

“As you are probably aware, Thamesmead also played Tuesday night this week, and with us playing Saturday and Tuesday, it gives me a chance to look at some of the players from the under 18’s and the reserves to see what talent we have around the club,” Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

“Kevin Doyle (U18s) and Bob Reardon (reserves) continue to do a great job for the club and sometimes it is difficult to get these lads promoted to see what they can do.

“We had a meeting this week, and we are looking at ways to promote these young lads in order to showcase their talent and to provide them with a route for development.

“This is nothing new, it's something we have always tried to do but, let me tell you, it's not as easy as you might think!

“A lot depends on fixtures, players’ availability, first team requests for players and the added issue this year of the local Football Academies with which some of the youngsters are also involved - one of the negatives of which is young players playing too much football.

“Since I have been here I have always tried to promote the youth, however, it hasn't always gone according to plan but I cannot stress highly enough that I am committed to trying to develop the youth of the town, and hopefully, with the help of Bob and Kevin we can see more of this come to fruition before the end of this season.

“Please bear in mind, that this is work in progress and I for one have been guilty of not paying this enough attention at times, but it is not a case of not wanting to.”

Luchford revealed that youngsters Callum Alexander, Lewis Pout, Matt Smith and Calvin Sedenu will all have to play a part against Thamesmead, along with Den Ellett, Mark Rothery, Dan Ellis and Joe Lecester from the reserve side.

Luchford added: “I think it's exciting for them, and for us as a management team, to have a look at these lads in action in a full first team fixture. There will be a couple of first team lads there as well who require some match time, but on the whole it will be a very young side and I am very much looking forward to it.”

The Lilywhites travel to Chipstead in the Ryman League Division One South on Saturday and Luchford has revealed that Frenchman Pierrick Briand, formerly of Dover Athletic and Maidstone United, will team up with the squad.

The Faversham boss said: “I have a full squad to pick from and I am hopeful of confirming the signature of Pierrick Briand.

“Pierrick is a French lad, who has been playing at Dover Athletic.  I went to see them around a month ago and he was the stand out player for them on the night.  He has lots of energy and it’s a shame I can’t play him tonight as he is cup-tied as is Dean Grant.”

Luchford added: “We have two away games in four days again and we need to turn our away draws into wins. It will be a tough few days, starting tonight, but the club is buoyant at the moment and we hope to continue the fine form for all three sides.”

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town  v  Thamesmead Town
Kent Senior Cup First Round
Thursday 24^th February 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND