Linch disappointed at Ham switch

Ham becomes the third striker to leave Common this summer with his cross-town switch to Common’s local rivals in Sussex County Football League Division Two.

Linch said: “Both myself and the players are shocked and disappointed really that he’s left the club. I struggle to understand some players’ lack of loyalty.

“I’ve got no problem with players leaving to better themselves and play at a higher level, but to go sideways to me doesn’t make a lot of sense. I wish Casey all the best, but I’m just disappointed really.”

Ham was Common’s leading scorer with 16 goals in all competitions last season despite never previously having played at senior level. Fellow frontmen Lewis Hole and Steve Morris have left Common to join Sidley United.

“This is why I find the decision quite bizarre,” continued Linch. “I made it quite clear to him that he would be our number nine striker.

“That’s what he wanted and he knows all the players at the club. I know they (Bexhill) have signed Dom Clarke and if they get Scott McDonald again, I can’t see him starting.”

On the positive side, highly rated young forward Jamie Crone, captain Chas Lister, goalkeeper Jon Saunders and attacking midfielder Jordan Wood have all signed.

The full article will appear in tomorrow’s Bexhill Observer.