Squads

Provisional First team squad for season 2009/10:- 

2008/09 Senior Squad

Sam Baker (defender): Had an outstanding first season with City. Reliable in defence and quick and clever moving forward. Previous club: Whitstable Town. Recently gained a Sports Psychology degree

Danny Black (goalkeeper): Formerly with Gillingham, Dulwich and Tonbridge Angels. Performed brilliantly in City's first season, including saving a penalty to ensure that they won the Kent Junior Cup.

Dan Bonneywell (forward): The re-established club's first captain. Strong and determined striker who previously played for Sittingbourne, Brunel University and Chatham Riverside, who he led to a league and cup double at Under-18 level. Married to Women's team player Natalie.

James Brooke (midfield): One of City's regulars last season, he had previous experience with Shoreham, Chilham and Devon Schoolboys. Thoughtful player who reads the game well, has a great 'engine' and was delighted to score his first goal for the club in a 2-1 pre-season win at Deal Town.

Jamie Brockman (defender): Jamie was a member of the Development Squad last season and showed great promise in the early part of the season. He then suffered from injury and had work commitments which restricted his appearances. Looked impressive in pre-season and regained full fitness and sharpness which resulted in him being promoted to the Senior squad where he will get his opportunity to show his full potential.

Wayne Fittall (striker): Experienced and combative goalscorer who last season also laid on many goals for others. Former member of the Chelsea Academy. Played for Whitstable Town and Kent. Has great vision and scored a number of vital goals in key games last season.

Royston Gough (striker): Top goalscorer not only for City last season but in all divisions of the Kent County League. Was not a regular member of the side at the beginning of the season but after winning his place became more and more effective. Great pace and good understanding with Fittall.

Harry Gower (midfield/striker). Joined City this season. The former Whitstable Town player was highly impressive in this season's Friendly games playing wide midfield or as a striker. He has great pace and fantastic work ethic. Set to be a key player this season.

Paul Grant (central defence): Recently moved to City from Ipswich where he played senior football for Ipswich Postal Services. Impressed whilst on trial and was invited to sign. He is a skilled and composed defender who has played well in the Reserves and will be contesting a First team place this season.

Rob Gutsell (midfield): Several injuries reduced his appearances last season and he was badly missed. Inventive, tenacious and determined. Never stops running and is a great ball-winner who consistently puts in more tackles than anyone else. Rarely plays a poor pass or gives away possession. Previous clubs, Canterbury City Youth and Whitstable Town.

Justin Hodge (central defender): Big and strong, he dominated the City defence last season. Benefited from the fitness regime at the club and has taken his game to a higher level. Highly experienced and composed, he has also played for Sevenoaks, Bearsted and Otford. A great role model for younger players

Ian Hossick (defender): Joined City in the close season from Whitstable and immediately created a favourable impression in central defence. Gives 100% in every game and in training. An honest player who marshals the defence and is an influential voice! His positive impact and experience will be a great asset.

Tony Jackson (utility): Former Platt United and Bearsted player who arrived in the summer and filled the left back position with great confidence and pace to go forward. One of his main strengths is that he can play anywhere because he has a great touch and is confident on the ball. Has a big heart and has tremendous determination and dedication. He has a bright future with the club.

Dan Langiano (defender/midfield): Captain of City's Under-18s and current member of the Kent Under-18 squad. Dan played for the City First team in a couple of Friendly games at the end of last season and showed that despite being only sixteen he was highly talented. During pre-season he put in some excellent performances and demonstrated that he was ready to be included in this season's First team squad. Huge potential and expected to fulfil it this season.

Scott Lawford (midfield): Played a significant role in City's promotion and cup double last season. He has good pace and strength. Has the best left foot in the club and is a great asset at corners and set pieces. He is a young player with a wealth of experience, having played for Dover Athletic, Herne Bay and Whitstable Town.

Luke Lockhart (defender/midfield): Proud to be First team captain this season. Formerly a member of the successful Tyler Hill side. He is a natural winner and very honest player who leads by example. Composed and professional at all times, which is vital for a captain, he is strong in the air and the tackle. Certainly one of the best defenders playing outside the Kent League Premier Division. Became firmly established in the City side last season and is determined to lead the club to further success.

John Lewis (midfield/forward): A key player in the Development Squad last season where his contribution was recognised in the award of 'Players' Player of the Year'. Made his First team debut last season at Pembury FC where he showed he could play well at County league level. Good pace and at his best going forward. Quick feet and excellent ball control. A member of the City and Kent Under-18s squads, his promotion to the Senior squad is fully deserved.

Jamie Maxted (defender): Came through the Under-18 team with flying colours. So much so that he was 'head hunted' by a number of senior clubs after he won a First team place. After being tempted to join Ramsgate, he decided to remain with City where his strong defending and ability to set up attacks from the back will be one of the keys to the club's push for further promotion.

Calum McGeehan (midfield): Together with Jamie Maxted, Calum brought youthful promise to the 07-08 side. Kent age-group player, he has exceptional ball control and is also a good finisher. Not a bad goalkeeper either. His influence on games last season was immense considering his age and experience. He aims to become more consistent this season but is already an imposing figure in every game.

Mike Magriano (goalkeeper): A key member of last season's successful Under-18s, he is a fine shot stopper with great agility and is very brave. Despite fracturing a cheek bone early last season he came back to regain top form. A mature young man who always seeks to improve his game. The City goalkeeping coach Ade Gower believes Mike will push Danny Black and Danny Wrench hard for the First team's jersey.

Dave Read (defender/midfield/striker): Former Faversham Town player who has given the City squad power and experience in midfield or wherever plays. Strong in the tackle and dominant in the air, he is an influence across the whole team. Certainly livens up the dressing room banter. Worked really hard on fitness during pre-season, which is set to pay dividends.

Sam Rigden (defence/midfield) : Another former Whitstable Town player who has moved over to join City's quest for Kent League status. He has shown real potential in pre-season and has a good 'engine'. Works tirelessly and is tenacious. Has a high success rate in the tackle and is very comfortable on the ball. Loves to press forward and is set for a good first season with the club.

John Salter (defender): This tall central defender was trained at the Gillingham Academy then drifted into local football. Came to watch City play, and fulfilled his ambition to play at a higher level and become part of the City dream. Commanding and cool, he enjoys playing the defence out of trouble rather than hoofing the ball aimlessly. He is a keen Liverpool fan and you cannot fail to notice the similarity between his style and that of Alan Hansen.

Michael Seagar (defence/midfield): Joined Chelsea as a teenager but was later released. Experience with Whitstable Town and Faversham Town. 'Seags' is still recovering from a serious knee injury but has shown signs of returning to his best form in pre-season games. Determined and composed, he reads the game well. Good attacking option whether as a left back or in midfield.

Dave Silman (midfield/striker): Played his youth football at Margate FC and also represented Malta at youth level internationally. He is blessed with exceptional pace and is a great offensive player. He was unlucky with injuries last season and so played mostly in the Development Squad. If he can stay free of injury he will be a force in the Kent County League.

Ben Small (defender): Had an exceptional season in City's Under-18s last season and has been promoted to the Senior Squad after an impressive pre-season. Reads the game well and has a good attitude and approach to training. Destined to play a big part in the First team. He is also an accomplished athlete who has run the 100 metres in 10.6sec.

Troy Smissen (midfield): Another product of City's youth programme, he has been promoted to the Senior Squad following impressive pre-season displays. A non-stop midfielder who wins most of his tackles. Dedicated in training. Keen to listen and with considerable potential. Now recognised as a key member of the City squad.

Ben Smith (midfield): Joined from Herne Bay to add considerable strength to City's midfield. Former captain of Brighton University, 'Smudger' simply hates losing. Tough and hard tackler, yet he has great touch and good vision as a playmaker. Quiet and unassuming yet concedes nothing on the pitch. Likes to coach young players at the club and is a key member of the City's Coaching in the Community scheme. Set for a successful future with the club.

Ashley Tuite (midfield): One of those valuable players who gets on with the job and is very much a team man. Former member of the Tyler Hill club, he also played at Dover and was coached at the Chelsea School of Excellence. 'Ash' or 'T' as he known is a natural playmaker who can orchestrate from midfield. Always seems to have time on the ball and has a thunderous shot. Will be looking to get on the scoresheet more often this season.

Mark Vidler (defender/midfield): A member of the Development Squad last season, he has greatly improved his game. Works harder than any other player in training and has a real passion and determination to keep improving. Added more composure to his game in pre-season and showed in a match against Margate Reserves that he was ready for the Senior squad in which he will continue to develop..

Karl Williams (striker): Spent last season in the Development Squad but has been promoted after impressing in pre-season. He is an energetic striker who annoys and unsettles defenders with his none-stop running and closing down when the team does not have possession. His running off the ball and ability to find space is exceptional. He has electric pace and is almost impossible to mark whether playing wide or as a central forward. Still very young and learning, he is expected to make a real impact as he gains experience.

Dan Woodward (utility): A versatile player who joined City from Tyler Hill last season and became a popular squad member because of his positive attitude and support for other players. Was identified as the perfect captain for the Reserve team this season, given his natural leadership qualities and ability to relate to and support younger players.

Adam Woollcott (forward): A member of the Kent and City Under-18 squads. Made his First team debut at Pembury last season and scored the last league goal of the 07/08 campaign at Borden. Has a great touch and fantastic vision for his age. Started training with the seniors last season. Impressed them all despite being only sixteen. Promoted to be amongst them this season, and deserved to.

Chris Woollcott (defender/midfield): A key member of the Development Squad last season, Chris has a good first touch and is at his best playing wide, being a fine crosser of the ball. Remained on the fringe of the First team last season because of the high level of competition. Soon expected to be challenging for a First team place.

Danny Wrench (goalkeer): Came into the City squad in the close season from Chilham. Performed well in pre-season Friendly games and was exceptional against Hythe. Reliable and with presence, he has the ability to act as a sweeper behind the defence. He has ensured that there is going to be some strong competition for the First team goalkeeper's position.