GO AD LITE | £30 off your Annual Digital subscription. Use code AUTUMN
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
GO AD LITE | £30 off your Annual Digital subscription. Use code AUTUMN
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
Sheppey United didn’t need a scouting report to tell them that former Bromley defender Rhys Wyborn might be worth a punt.
The Ites – who have also signed a young striker from Gillingham this week – watched at close quarters as Wyborn played against them on loan at Beckenham last season in the Isthmian South East.
More: Isthmian League weekend round-up
They tried to sign the youngster in the summer after he’d been released by Bromley but the player chose Whitehawk and a chance at playing in the Isthmian Premier.
But when he became available again, the Ites didn’t need much persuading.
Assistant boss Geoff Record said: “We spotted him last season when we were beaten up there and he played very well.
“Apart from the opening 15 minutes, when Danny Leonard got on top of him, the penny dropped with him and he did a great job on Danny after that and that is where he caught our eye.
“That performance stuck in my head.
“He started the season at Whitehawk, chancing his arm at the level above, and for whatever reason it didn’t work out for him.
“We have given him the opportunity to try and establish himself at this level and it’s up to him now really.
“When you’re that age, and come out of an academy, I think you really have to make a name for yourself and the key is to not get ahead of yourself, nailing a reputation at this level and it can take a couple of seasons to do that playing regularly.
“It will be up to him. It might be a slow burner at first but the ball is in his court now.”
Wyborn started for The Ites last night in their Velocity Cup fixture, knocking Herne Bay out after a penalty shootout.
There were no goals after 90 minutes, but Sheppey were spot-on from 12 yards, winning 5-4 on penalties.
The Ites will welcome the extra cover at left-back with Mamadou Diallo still missing with a hamstring injury.
He could still be out for a few more weeks.
Record said: “We have been alright with Mams but he has picked up a couple of injuries, one last year then he picked up a hamstring injury this year.
“We weren’t looking to replace Mams because he’s a good player but we are looking to strengthen and it is an old cliche but there is nothing like a bit of competition for the place in the side.”
Sheppey were without a game at the weekend but return to league action this Saturday in Isthmian South East, looking to build on a fantastic start - having won four from four.
Their latest league victory was a 3-1 home success over Erith Town last Tuesday, courtesy of Danny Leonard, Gil Carvalho and Victor Aiyelabola.
Newly-promoted Steyning Town Community are the visitors to Holm Park - that game coming after Sheppey’s midweek home match against Herne Bay last night (Tuesday) in the Velocity Cup second round.
The weekend break came at a good time for some players who needed time to recover from knocks, including Sinnkaye Christie, Eitel Moumi Goueth and Leonard.
Looking ahead to the weekend game, Record said: “They got promoted last season and, a bit like Erith, they deserve plenty of respect after winning promotion to this league.
“It’s not like we’re playing an established team where we know what we’re up against. I see that as being a difficult game for us, one we can win but we know there are no easy games in this league.
“Erith gave us a very hard game. It was their first defeat but it shows what a good win it was because they bounced straight back with a victory themselves after that, beating Croydon Athletic 3-0.”
Sheppey are back at home again on Tuesday, September 24 when they host Hythe Town in the Kent Senior Cup first round.
