Bitter blow for Suter as Keehan leaves

11th Jan 2008

THE STEADY flow of playŽers out of Horsham YMCA's doors has resumed with the departure of Joe Keehan. Manager John Suter thought he had managed to steady the ship following the loss of players including Dan Taylor, Chris May, James Hancock and Adam Jupp earlier in the season, but now the club's top scorer has left - to return to Sussex and Ryman Division 1 South rivals Worthing. Although Jupp made a goalscoring return to YM this week against Tonbridge Angels having not held down a regular first team place. "It's good to have Adam Jupp back and he did very well when he came on, got a goal," said the boss. Keehan joined from the Rebels in the summer and made an impact at Gorings Mead, was ever present and netted seven goals from mid-field. But the lure of more money back on the coast proved too much to resist. Suter commented: "Worthing made him an offer he could not refuse. I'm bitterly disappointed. "A few months back, Danny Bloor (joint Worthing manager) told me how keen he was for all Sussex sides in the Ryman League to do well, but in saying that it's just words. The actions are taking our best players. "I don't blame Joe Keehan, he didn't want to go, but he said he could not afford not to go. Worthing are the big boys." He added: "It's frustrating - County League players want to stay where they are and don't have the fight for a relegation battle and Ryman League players have a price on their head I can't afford. "You cannot compete with Worthing financially. "It's like swimming against the tide whilst banging your head against the wall, you end up drowning with a headache." YM make the trip to Worthing tomorrow (Saturday) in what is sure to be a fiery encounter. "I'd really like to beat them," commented Suter. "It's an emotive game, there's been movement of players between the clubs and there's been friction between managers which will add spice to the game. They wll be up for it. "They've approached Scott Kirkwood (another forŽmer YM player who moved to Hastings in the summer) as well, he could be playing against us on Saturday. "Whatever the game was on Saturday, it would be nice to win it because we need points."