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Scott Porter’s summer transfer business has Lydd Town looking good for the new Southern Counties East season
05:00, 19 July 2024
Manager Scott Porter has things as he wants them after a busy summer at Lydd Town.
Porter is looking forward to his first full season in charge at the Lindsey Field, boosted by a number of new arrivals.
Prolific striker Ryan Philpott is among the recruits, returning from Kennington.
Porter has also added trusted players from previous clubs to give Lydd the right blend of youth and experience needed for a Southern Counties East promotion challenge.
“Signing Ryan Philpott has made a massive difference to us going forward,” said Porter.
“I tried to get him when I went to Lydd but he was loyal to Kennington, to keep them in the league, which I get.
“It’s good to have him on board.
“There’s four or five gone and I’ve brought in more local youngsters.
“You’ve got to have legs in this league.
“Last season we didn’t have that and this season we have.
“We’ve got experience, we’ve got youngsters, we’ve got a good squad.
“Whether it’s players who left of their own accord, or players I didn’t want, that’s football.
“I’ve got the players I want in the football club.
“We’ve got Will Dempsey in, a left-wing-back who was at Gillingham a year-and-a-half ago, Jack Mayhew, a right-wing-back or right-back, John Walker from Hawkinge, Tom Walmsley, who I had at Hollands & Blair.
“They’re all local lads and they all want to be at the club.
“I wanted that togetherness back because it wasn’t there before, it was people just trying to pick up a few quid and not be committed.
“That’s not me, so we’ve got a lot of good young lads and a lot of experience and I’m pleased with how it’s going.”
Porter has also finalised his backroom team with Shaun Welford committed for the new season while Mike Sheridan joins the coaching staff after standing down as Hawkinge manager.
Tom Wynter, who had been part of the management team, returns to playing after a long-term knee injury.
“Tom’s been getting himself fit,” said Porter.
“He’s done all the sessions. He’s just on the playing side of it now.
“A fit Tom Wynter is a great player and he’s been doing as much as he can to get himself fit.
“He hasn’t missed a session and he’s been playing in the game as well.
“He’s been out 18 months with knee but he’s doing everything he can.
“He’s great round the changing room, a great lad and everyone respects him. That’s a massive plus.”
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