When I was asked to contribute to today's programme I was only too happy to oblige. Since suffering a stroke in December 2007 I have been cut off from my great love and passion which is all things Kent Football.
I have managed to follow Faversham's re emergence as a force to be reckoned with. Indeed I remember during my early managerial career at the now defunct Sheppey United being tonked 4-0 on the island by a terrific Faversham side containing the likes of Terry Martin, Phil Sainsbury, Bobby Mason, Kevin Carpenter, Phil Miles and Tony Cheesman. Terry and Phil made such an impression on me that I signed both of them when I became manager at Herne Bay, they both became integral pieces of that side that dominated that Kent League through the nineties.
Terry Martin’s loyalty to me was such that he played for me and was my captain through the majority of that period. Terry was without doubt pound for pound the best player I ever signed! At the last count Terry's captaincy under my management saw him lift the Kent Championship 4 times, as well as 2 Kent Senior Trophy's and 2 league cups and of course a never to be forgotten FA Vase whilst with me at Deal Town in May 2000.
Those Faversham Town supporters with long memories will remember Terry as an imperious young central defender in Paul Prior's title winning side of the late eighties. Terry eventually played for me for a total of 10 years becoming the most decorated Kent League player of all time. His disciplinary record in that time was exemplary never being dismissed and receiving only a handful of cautions in something approaching 500 games. My favorite anecdote concerning Terry was of him coming down the royal box stairs at Wembley that Vase winning year and walking towards me cuddling the FA Vase to his chest smiling broadly and uttering these words “Thanks Tom, that's me done, I am retiring now, how can I top this?"
I shook his hand warmly and we embraced the embrace of two champions satisfied that the job had been done and done well. I freely admit that I shed a tear that afternoon, for here was a man I had signed almost ten years previously and had given me every ounce of sweat and even on some occasions blood. My respect for Terry soared to the heights that afternoon I do admit I tried to change his mind a few days later but he was rightly adamant that to go out on that note was his final decision, “at the top” were his words and all these years later I still can't find fault with his decision.
My greatest football memory will always be singing the national anthem stood along side Terry that hot summer afternoon in May 2000 at Wembley. Terry's conduct and behaviour through his time playing for me puts to shame the millionaire football stars of nowadays. During my illness I have relived that day 100 times over and Terry remains prominent in my memory of that famous day.
It only leaves for me now to wish Justin every success with Faversham Town FC. The job he has done to date should not be under estimated, the hunger and passion he shows for the job reminds me a certain young man who also managed locally with a degree success, modesty forbids me to name names!
Up the Lillywhites!