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Sport

Gillingham forward Roman Campbell is back with Sittingbourne

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 21 August 2019

Updated: 07:07, 21 August 2019

Sittingbourne's history with Roman Campbell helped them bring the highly-rated Gillingham youngster back to Woodstock.

Striker Campbell scored seven goals on loan with the Brickies last season, sharing the golden boot with Tom Loynes.

The chance to take him for another month came up on the eve of the new Isthmian South East season - and boss Sittingbourne Chris Lynch jumped at the chance.

Roman Campbell in the thick of the action at Whitstable Picture: Ken Medwyn (15521023)

Campbell had a mixed return, scoring but later seeing red in a 1-1 draw at Whitstable. He was on target again in a 3-1 defeat by Cray Valley last night.

His sending-off will cost him a one-game suspension but the Brickies are delighted to have him back.

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Lynch said: "Roman's more than capable of playing at a much higher level.

"I'm aware of interest from Dover and Welling in the last couple of months but for whatever reason, a deal didn't happen.

"He's got history here, he's done well here, he enjoys it here, so it's a win-win scenario for us and him.

"He needs games and we're more than happy to have someone of his quality.

"Gillingham are fully aware of his potential and hopefully one day he'll be doing something for them on a regular basis."

Sittingbourne host Isthmian South Central side Uxbridge in the FA Cup preliminary round this Saturday, with prize money of £2,890 at stake.

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They have international clearance for new signing Caleb Roberts, a former Canvey Island centre-half who's played in Finland, but recent signing Hamilton has moved to a club up north and Josh Spencer has joined Whitstable.

Meanwhile, Bourne look set to miss out on ex-Wigan keeper Jordan Perrin, who's been training with them but is now interesting Barnet.

Lynch said: "We were offering terms but he's just gone off to Barnet. We're waiting to see what the outcome is up there but but I'd imagine they'll sign him.

"He was at Millwall for a bit as well, and we have good connections there, so we were aware he'd been released by Wigan.

"He played in a development game for us, and was excellent, but if players have the chance to go much higher, you have to accept that.

Sittingbourne celebrate Roman Campbell's goal at Whitstable Picture: Ken Medwyn (15521021)

"Our recruitment is really good but it's difficult holding on to hot prospects at this level.

"It becomes easier at higher levels because you put them on contract.

"Some clubs do put players on contract at this level but if a Dover or someone comes in from a higher level, they're still going to go and rightly so."

A trip to Ramsgate follows on Bank Holiday Monday with Lynch looking to banish the memories of a 4-0 defeat at Southwood in his first game as Brickies boss in January.

He said: "We have unfinished business there - we're looking to put things right.

"We had a depleted squad - seven players had left before my arrival - and in all honesty we were never going to win that game.

"We're on a much better footing now and the game should be more even but you never know.

"I know Nicky Davis and the chairman at Ramsgate have spent a lot of money and brought in a lot of players.

"They will be strong but I believe any team in this league is beatable on any day."

Injured winger Loynes is set to be out until December after having a knee operation.

Lynch said: "He needs a month or two recovery time from the op, then a month or two to get full fitness and that includes the psychological side.

"Coming back from a bad injury, the hardest bit is having trust in the knee when you go in for those first few challenges."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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