Clive Cook’s preparations for life after Alfie May have gathered pace with the capture of striker Dean Grant from rivals Faversham.

Grant is likely to go straight into the side for the trip to Chatham on Bank Holiday Tuesday (3pm) with May in line for a place on the bench as boss Cook prepares to smooth the transition before the striker’s imminent departure to the Football League after the New Year’s Eve clash against Faversham.

Cook said: “It’s a tricky one. I have to get it into my head that life goes on and we’re going to have to do without Alfie for 20-odd games this season.

“I have to do what’s right for the club and I’ve got players who I’m going to need who are going to be sat on the bench while he gets minutes they could be having.

“It’s also in my mind that I’d hate to see him get hurt after all the hard work he’s put in.”

Cook claimed he was ‘buzzing’ to have captured 26-year-old Grant, Faversham’s 17-goal top scorer, adding: “He’s someone who has always been on my radar. I’m not sure I’ll get my hand shaken or a Christmas card from Faversham but it’s football. He’s buzzing with his move.”

Kenny Pogue has returned to Eastbourne Town on a dual-registration basis.
Cook said: “It will be good for him to get his confidence back. He’s a smashing lad and we want him back to doing what he does best.”

Ben Wilson has joined Ashford on a similar basis to regain match fitness after his long-term injury.

Town are back within a point of the Ryman League, Division 1 South play-offs with a game in hand after a 3-0 win at fifth-placed Carshalton on Saturday.

Cook said: “It was a great reaction and a complete contrast from the week before (the 8-1 FA Trophy defeat at Welling).

“I was pleased. We showed a different attitude and it was probably our best performance of the season.

“Chatham are next and it will be a tough game, especially coming after this little break. We will have to prepare ourselves right.

“They are struggling but they have a new manager and will be fighting for their lives. They’ll have some new players and we will need to play as well as we did on Saturday.”

Jay May is set to return to action against Faversham after being unavailable for the trip to Chatham.