by Craig Tucker

Jim Ward's plans for the new season have been hit by the loss of centre-half Calum McGeehan to Herne Bay.

Sittingbourne joint-manager Ward wanted to keep the defender after missing out on the signing of Nick Davis a fortnight ago.

But McGeehan has decided to join Ryman League 1 Division South new boys Bay.

Ward said: "I heard (Herne Bay boss) Simon Halsey wasn't happy with Faversham trying to sign his players but he's taken one of mine so what goes around comes around in football.

"I wanted to keep Calum and I offered him terms but we couldn't afford him."

Brickies face a fight to compete with the financial might of Kent rivals, including Maidstone and Faversham, but Ward is up for the challenge of building a new side.

He said: "There are eight teams from Kent in the division and if we can finish halfway up that mini-league then we'll have had a successful season.

"We're certainly down the bottom in terms of budget but I knew that when I accepted the job so it isn't a problem.

"I've won things with money at Maidstone and on a shoestring at Ramsgate.

"Ask any manager and they'll tell you they'd rather have the money but this is a massive challenge that me and Danny (Ward, joint-manager) are looking forward to.

"Teams like Maidstone are chucking money about. Every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to join them but that brings its own pressure.

"All I can worry about is my team and we'll see what materialises. We have a number of good players already at the football club who just need some guidance."

Brickies started pre-season training on Tuesday night.

Do you think McGeehan will be a big loss for the Brickies? Have your say below.