Success brings reward but also increased interest as Bostik South champions Carshalton Athletic are currently discovering.
The Robins topped their division with 102 points by the end of April, and won many plaudits for their attractive style of play, but now two of their players are potentially set to be the next successful graduates from Colston Avenue.
With a long and proud history for developing players, the most recent of which saw Mickel Miller jump six levels to play in the Scottish Premiership, Carshalton now see forward Christie Pattisson and defender Jordan Cheadle being courted by clubs in the National League.
Pattisson, a pacy winger with an eye for goal, is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with Braintree Town whom achieved promotion last season by winning the National South play-offs.
“I was happy to stay with Carshalton and was discussing next season but I found out Braintree had been keeping tabs on me for a while,” said the 21 year-old who was once on the books at Chelsea.
“I took time to speak to Peter (Adeniyi, Carshalton player/manager) who offered advice all the way and we decided it was too big an opportunity for me to turn down.”
Pattisson joined Carshalton from VCD Athletic during last season and hit five goals, including important late winners away against Cray Wanderers and Herne Bay.
“I was made to feel instantly welcome by everyone at Carshalton and both Peter and Keith (Boanas, coach) have helped me improve my game so much,” he added.
“And the fans were superb, a real twelve man that helped us over the line. I will genuinely miss being here.”
Defender Cheadle meanwhile is currently enjoying a weeks trial with Dagenham and Redbridge that he claims came ‘completely out of the blue.’
“I wasn’t pursuing anything but apparently one of their scouts had watched me a few times last season and I assume (manager) Peter Taylor told them to get me in,” Cheadle said.
“They’d also watched footage of me via Robins TV which is something I think is a credit to Carshalton for providing.”
The 28 year-old left back chipped in with seven goals and nine assists, including several stunning free kicks, as Carshalton secured promotion.
“Last season was probably my consistent and certainly the most enjoyable of my career to date. This trial is recognition of that and I’ll aim to give it my best,” he added.
Carshalton Athletic have also now announced their pre-season friendly fixtures for July including visits from Charlton Athletic, AFC Wimbledon and local rivals Totting and Mitcham. Full details can be found on www.carshaltonathletic.co.uk/
