Canterbury City boss Clive Cook signs two trialists ahead of new season
Published: 06:00, 26 July 2019
Canterbury City manager Clive Cook has welcomed two new additions to his squad – but bid farewell to another.
Kudo Muchinjiko and Luwayne Greenwood have signed on at Salters Lane having impressed since arriving on trial at the start of pre-season.
Dan Keyte has meanwhile left to join fellow Southern Counties East League side Lydd Town in search of game time.
Cook said: “The deal (with Muchinjiko and Greenwood) is that they work hard. They will work hard and see what happens. I’ve signed them on to see how they develop, which is good for both parties because it keeps them in that development stage.
“Luwayne played against Ashford on Tuesday night and scored, Kudo came on and was very solid in two different positions.
“Kudo is a defender comfortable across the back line, he’s very strong and quick and he’s a nice lad. He fits in with what we’re trying to achieve and what we’ve put together personality-wise.
“Luwayne is a smashing lad, he also fits in with what we’re trying to build. He can play up top or as an attacking midfielder. He scores goals and works hard.
“Dan Keyte has left the club to play his football at Lydd. He just needed to go and play and get fit.”
Cook admits there is a unity and cohesion among the players reminiscent of a squad that has been together longer than just one summer.
He added: “Considering there are 18 in the squad, they have come together and you would think the way they're playing and developing that it was last year's squad.
“The gelling has been really good, if you can get the dressing room right that's points on the board because of what you need in those dark and dingy moments and in the cold months.
“To pick an eleven, in my mind I'm okay, but then you see a game and think 'he's had a stormer'.
“One or two have actually come through to grab the shirt which I didn't really expect. Everyone has bought into the project, hence why the trialists don't want to go.”
Having lost 3-2 to Faversham on Saturday, City played out a 3-3 draw with Ashford.
Cook said: “We showed a lot of character to come back from 2-1 and 3-2 down, there was a real 'never lose' mentality.
“Although it was 3-3 I think we probably shaded it a bit. They had experienced players and it was a real learning curve.
“They ran in that heat for 90 minutes and all worked hard. Preparations wise we're at where we want to be.”
Canterbury are away to New Romney on Saturday (2pm) and visit Sittingbourne (7.45pm) on Wednesday.
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