27thapr05

Thamesmead fail to live up to expectations

THAMESMEAD TOWN manager Paul Blade feels his side have taken a step backwards after finishing this season's Go Travel Kent League premier division campaign in eighth place, writes Stephen McCartney.

Tuesday night's convincing 6-3 win at Beckenham Town saw the Bayliss Avenue outfit climb to eighth place in the table but Blade couldn't hide his disappointment having finished last season as runners-up to Cray Wanderers.

"After finishing runners up last year expectations within the club and myself as well (were high) and we are disappointed with 8th but the league position doesn't lie, we are there for a reason," admitted Blade.

"It's because we weren't good enough this year for certain parts of the season.

"We've done well in the cups and whether that takes it toll and  we've lost a lot of players as well earlier in the season and I can honestly say that's a major factor. 

"We've been very light on the squad and that's proved in certain games.  We've been a little inconsistent throughout the season, with league form especially."

Blade's men, however, took their chances well at Eden Park Avenue on Tuesday night but Blade wants to see more of that kind of finishing next term.

"As you saw tonight we scored six goals, like we did at Erith Town but conceeded three silly goals as well.  That's what we need to cut out, making the mistakes and punish teams when we get the chances."

Blade is looking ahead to next season.  He will discuss with his chairman Nick O'Keeffe to see which direction the club will be heading next season.

"I've got a few bodies in mind but until I speak to the chairman and committee to know where the club's going....

"Finances are a major part in that as well but I need to know what finances are to become available.

"We need a bit of quality, I'm not saying we need loads but we do need at least three or four new bodies in the actual squad to strengthen it up.

"Between now and pre-season we'd get a chance to recharge the batteries and see whose about and talk to people and see what happens."

What is concerning the Thamesmead manager is the lack of support through the turnstiles but he did insist the club are trying to promote the club within its local community.

"We are in an area where there's a lot of what, I would say, people who don't know about the club.

"But at the end of the day we can only promote the club, with what we are trying to do and try and get bodies in.

"We've got to keep striving, keep trying to do well, and bring the good name of Thamesmead Town Football Club to people and hopefully put a few bums on seats."