Striker Nathan Cartman turns down a host of offers to join Scarborough Athletic

Striker Nathan Cartman admits he turned down a host of offers elsewhere to commit to Scarborough Athletic.
Nathan Cartman has expressed his delight after committing to Scarborough AthleticNathan Cartman has expressed his delight after committing to Scarborough Athletic
Nathan Cartman has expressed his delight after committing to Scarborough Athletic

Cartman revealed he had interest from between 10-15 clubs after leaving Farsley, but was swayed by the sales pitch of Boro boss Darren Kelly.

"I'm delighted to be joining Scarborough Athletic," revealed the former Darlington and Harrogate Railway frontman.

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"I had a lot of interest, but that is normal as I have always scored goals and teams will always be interested in strikers, but Darren really sold Scarborough Athletic to me and I'm really looking forward to getting going at the club now.

"I had offers of more money elsewhere, this isn't a move motivated by money as I was discussing the possibility of joining Scarborough for three weeks and finances weren't mentioned until the very last minute when were getting things confirmed.

"Scarborough are a big non league club, very similar to Darlington in the sense that they get great crowds and have a really good support.

"I have always had a good relationship with their fans too, even though I was playing against them I remember their fans asking me to sign on for them and saying nice things to me when I have played there in the past."

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Cartman insists Boro should be in the NPL promotion mix next season and expects the side to be in the picture come the end of the campaign.

He added: "There are some good sides up there in South Shields and FC United, and there's the likes of Nantwich and Warrington who will be strong, but we have the squad to be challenging up there alongside these sides, no doubt about that.

"Darren came in and did a great job last season and it looked like he'd put them in a good position to push for the play-offs, so I have no doubts with the plans he has in place and the support from the fans, we'll be up there or thereabouts."

The prolific frontman is looking forward to linking up with another of his former teammates James Walshaw and forging a successful partnership to fire Boro to promotion.

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The pair teamed up at Farsley previously and Cartman is keen that the duo work together to ensure Boro are in the promotion picture next season.

"I have played with Wally before and it worked quite well, and I'm sure we'll be able to form a good partnership again," added Cartman.

"Of course any striker wants to score goals and be the top-scorer come the end of the season, but if me and Wally can both hit 15-20 goals each and the club gets promoted then we have done our jobs."

Cartman recalls his battles against Boro in years gone by with great fondness, adding: "I remember scoring a last minute winner for Darlington against Boro and celebrating wildly as I'd been getting some stick from the sidelines.

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"That was a really important goal for us at the time and got us a big win at the time too, which was pleasing.

"I also recall beating Scarborough on a Monday night with Harrogate Railway and the manager at the time, Rudy Funk left the club after it."