NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Gentle will prove to be a giant signing as Eynesbury Rovers chief lands his top target
New Eynesbury Rovers signing Steve Gentle in action for former club, St Ives Town. Picture: DUNCAN LAMONT - Credit: Archant
Eynesbury boss Mark Ducket reckons he has pulled off his biggest signing yet – in more ways than one.
The Rovers chief is celebrating the capture of ‘number one target’ Steven Gentle as he plots a United Counties League Premier Division promotion challenge next season.
Gentle is a 6ft, 4ins defensive colossus who’s well known in these parts after helping St Ives Town to Southern League Division One (Central) play-off glory in 2015/16. The 34 year-old has also spent the vast majority of a long career at higher levels of the game.
“It’s brilliant that Steve has decided he wants to be part of what we’re trying to achieve at Eynesbury,” said Ducket.
“He was my top target for this summer and it’s great to have him on board ahead of what we all hope will be a big season in the club’s history.
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“He is a huge character and a fantastic leader of men, with a CV that speaks for itself.
“It’s definitely my biggest signing as Eynesbury manager.
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“It looks like three teams will be promoted from the Premier Division next season due to the restructure of non-league football that’s going on.
“We certainly hope we can be up there challenging for one of those promotion spots after finishing in the top six in the last two seasons.”
Gentle is not the only new face at Hall Road with Ducket also tempting former St Ives and Huntingdon striker Stuart Eason and Peterborough Northern Star goalkeeper Dan George to the club.
“Stuart is a top striker, who has done well at this level and higher in the past,” added Ducket. “He’s another top addition and the same goes for Dan.
“He is young for a keeper at 21, but he certainly doesn’t lack experience because he’s been playing UCL football since he was 16.”
Ducket is also delighted to have retained the vast majority of his Hunts Senior Cup-winning squad of last season.
Goalkeeper Jamie Greygoose has moved to Australia while a job in the law industry has forced striker Allan Owen to move on. One other player is yet to agree terms.
“There has been a lot of interest in a lot of our players – and understandably so,” continued Ducket.
“But the boys love playing for Eynesbury and they’re all determined to enjoy more success together after the county cup win last season.”
