News on a number of former Gillingham players
Richard Day looks back at some news involving some former Gillingham players that has emanated over the last few weeks…Brentford striker Antonio German, who scored one goal in five games while on loan here at Gillingham, has earned himself a new one year academy deal at Griffin Park.
Hereford United have installed former Gillingham striker Peter Beadle as their new director of youth football.
The much-travelled 40-year-old’s appointment comes as part of a reshuffle at the Blue Square Bet Premier club, joining the Bulls from Cheltenham Town, where he has been working at their Centre of Excellence.
Beadle has managed Newport County and Clevedon Town since hanging up his boots in 2003 as well as under Dan Ashworth, the FA's new director of elite development, at West Bromwich Albion.
As a player Peter started his career here at Priestfield in 1990 and went on to net 15 goals in 76 appearances for the club.
He then spent two seasons, without making a breakthrough at Tottenham Hotspur, following a £300,000 move before going on to make his name chiefly with the two Bristol clubs. He also played for Watford, Port Vale, Notts County, Brentford and Barnet, as well as enjoying loan spells at Bournemouth and Southend United.
In total he scored 83 goals in 355 league games throughout his playing career.
Leo Fortune-West has resigned from his position as manager of Armthorpe Welfare with his side lying 18th in the Baris Northern Counties East League – Premier Division.
Scunthorpe United’s relegation from League One has seen the club release seven players including Andy Barcham but Patrick Agyemang, who played for much of last season on loan at Portsmouth, has signed a pre-contract at Fratton Park prior to a two-year deal starting on July 1 when his current contract at Stevenage expires.
More locally Jason Lillis has announced that he will be relinquishing the manager’s post at Kent Hurlimann League Lordswood after three years at the end of this season.
After taking over at Martyn Grove with the Lords at probably their lowest ebb, Lillis has taken the club further in the FA Vase than ever before, they were runners-up in the Kent Senior Trophy and will finish this season in their highest ever position in the Kent League.
He will be increasing the Gillingham connection at Ryman League Division One South Whitstable Town after agreeing to become assistant-manager to Nicky Southall at the Belmont Ground.
Jason, who scored three goals in 29 league outings for the Gills, has previously managed both Maidstone United and Herne Bay.
Yet another former forward, Jacob Erskine, has been released by Blue Square Bet Premier Dartford.
Former midfielder Simon Osborn has been named as joint manager of Ryman Premier League Margate along with goalkeeper Craig Holloway. The pair, who had been in caretaker charge since Chris Kinnear’s departure earlier in the year, have been offered contract’s until the end of next season.
Jay Saunders, who came through the youth system at Gillingham, has had his rolling contract as manager of Maidstone United extended to cover the 2013-14 campaign.
The 34-year-old, who played in more than 120 games for the Stones, was initially named as caretaker boss in the closing stages of the 2010-11 campaign before being named on a full-time basis.
The Stones recently won promotion to the Ryman Premier League having beaten Kent rivals Faversham Town 3-0 in the Ryman League Division One South Play-Off final at the Gallagher Stadium.
Unfortunately another former Gills youngster, Simon Austin, has however resigned from his post as manager of Kent League outfit Canterbury City.