Manager Jay Saunders has made further changes to his squad following the midweek Kent Senior Cup defeat vs Dover Athletic. Two players have come into the squad whilst one has departed.
Returning to The Stones is midfielder Michael Phillips who was with us last season. Michael had taken a player/coaching role with Kent League side Erith Town this season. However, he was keen to move back up to a higher level of football after dropping from Step 3 to Step 5. Having overcome the niggling injury problems of last season Michael has been drafted in by Jay Saunders in order to bolster the midfield ranks.
Also signing on the dotted line is 17 year old midfielder Tom Cackett. Tom made his first team debut vs Dover Athletic as a second half substitute on Wednesday evening and manager Saunders is keen to keep him involved with the first team squad in the immediate future. Tom is a college student who comes from Cliffe who has been in outstanding form this season for both the reserves and the Ryman Youth League side. Tom is very likely to be involved in Saturday’s game at Whyteleafe.
Whilst three players have arrived this week (Gavin Greenfield having signed on Monday evening) we will be saying farewell to centre back Nick Reeves. Saunders stressed that Nick’s departure was down to economics.
“I have a budget to work to and although Nick wanted to stay and fight for his place which is a commendable attitude, I just couldn’t manage to keep him with the new players coming in. There are several clubs already showing an interest in him, with one of them from the division above. Nick is a decent fella and we wish him the very best of luck wherever he chooses to go.”
