3rdJuly05A

Sunday 03rd July 2005

Sought after Dickson remains a Dere

Wayne Baldacchino, the newly appointed assistant manager at Kentish Observer League side Erith & Belvedere was pleased with the turn out for the clubs first pre-season training session, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Deres suffered relegation from the Southern League on the last day of the season, and with the club announcing a new sponsorship deal recently, their is an air of expectancy at Park View Road.

"Supporters will be pleased to know that 95% of the players we were expecting returned to training," Baldacchino told the club's website.

"The numbers were slightly lower than previous pre-seasons but that was expected as we have at least twelve lads away on holiday or working."

And last season's top scorer, Chris Dickson, was one of the players that were put through their paces by the club's management team, despite plenty of speculation over his future.

"We had an excellent session and a lot of the lads are looking extremely energetic after their first session back," he revealed.

Deres boss Mick Acland was able to chat with the players and observe whilst the session was taking place.

"We are back at training on Tuesday evening and then the "Club Night" on Thursday, which is our third meet but we also welcome all of our youth teams at the club. It should be a good evening.

"All in all, things are looking promising.

"We have some good quality players to work with, have a new sponsor on board and now we have a good solid management team in place."

The club's under 18 trials took place earlier last week and were very productive with nearly 50 players turning up for the trials, which the management team of Sean Clarke and Dave Fells were pleased with and have a number of quality players to choose from.

Baldacchino, however, admits a quiet approach is best for the club before they embark on their Kent League campaign.

"We will continue to quietly go about our business and do not need to shout from the rooftops about what we are or are not going to do this season," said the former reserve team manager.

"One thing is for certain though. Everybody connected with the club will be giving a minimum of 150% to bring success and we will do everything we can to keep our best players and continue to produce quality players through the youth and reserve teams."