YM to take on county's top talent?

3 July 2009

CHRIS White is plotting an assault on the Ryman League next season with Horsham YMCA after snapping up the cream of County League football. Following promotion to the Ryman League Division 1 South, YM boss White looks set to sign what he believes is some of the best talent in the county. YM are also in talks with four unnamed players who currently play in the Ryman, as they look to strengthen. Prolific St Francis Rangers striker Sam Jeremiah, Scott and Neil Murfin from Wick, and Arundel's highly rated midfielder Mike Huckett are all expected to report for pre-season, along with goalkeep¬er Simon Lockwood from Horley Town. White expects competition from Southern League outfit Gosport for the Murfin brothers, but hopes YM's philosophy can be a deciding factor. "In Sam (Jeremiah) and Mike (Huckett) I hope to be getting two players who are among the best two or three in the County League." White said. "And Simon Lockwood pretty much sin¬gle handedly beat us in a cup game when I was at East Preston. "Also I am in negotiations with four established Ryman League players. "I don't want to make wholesale changes, a lot of players I have here have played Ryman League before and everyone we had last sea¬son is expected back at pre-season training." Burgess Hill youngster James Westlake, and former Worthing player Harry Constable, who had a short stint with YM last year, are also in the frame. Scott Murfin showed his class when he left YM's title challenge hanging by a thread towards the end of last season. The diminutive front-man scored twice for Wick in a 3-1 win, both opportunistic and well taken goals. White knows Murfin well, and despite interest from Gosport, who have a greater financial clout, is optimistic. "It's about football for me," he said. "If it's about money, then do not come. "I think we showed last year that we get players to the club on our football pi ulosophy. It's about a chance; for these players, who are all in their early 20s, to step up and have a new challenge." Scott Kirkwood, it op scorer in YM's first ever season in the Ryman, has turned down a move to Gorings Mead, electing to go to Lewes instead. White has also been busy behind the scenes — coach Jason Rutherford has left for Worthing United, while UEFA B licence hole cler Dan Medhurst has conne in. Roger Feest is the new reserve team manager , allowing Lloyd Saunders to step up, and Jon Cook comess in as youth team boss. "We are looking forward to it," White commented: "It's an adventure for most of the people off the pitch (coaches), and the players we will bring in will make us better." Meanwhile, YM and Horsham FC held a n neeting with residents of Gorings Mead ahead of next season's ground share, aiming to address any concerns. YM chairman Mick Browning said: "We will do our utmost to make sure things are as comfortable as possible for residents during match days. They were very understanding."