12thsept03

McIntyre: My hardest ever decision
Bromley manager Stuart McIntyre admitted releasing Kirk Watts was his hardest ever decision, writes Stephen McCartney.

Watts, was released by McIntyre last Thursday, and was signed by Bromley's Ryman League Division One South rivals Lewes, managed by Sutton based Steven King.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Ashford Town (Kent) in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, McIntyre spoke at length, behind closed doors, to his squad before Thursday's training session.

Bromley's aim is to get back to winning ways following league defeats at home to Walton & Hersham (3-0) and a 1-0 defeat at Windsor & Eton last Tuesday following Watts departure.

McIntyre said: "I made the decision on Kirk Watts as a player, as I would any other player.  The football club needs to continue to go forward.  In my opinion, we are still inconsistent and I want to create a squad, and a team that has determination, with added sufficient skill to take the club forward."

Bromley's strikers were put through their paces during the training session, and McIntyre stressed: "I am still unhappy with the number of chances we are missing.  There is still a lot of hard work to be done, and we've spoken a lot tonight about tactics, awareness of people and trusting team-mates and to work harder in games."

McIntyre added: "I have to make decisions around the budget, long term prospects for the team, the personnel available and all sorts of things."

McIntyre has faced criticism from some Bromley supporters over his decision to release Watts.  McIntyre said: "All supporters of all football clubs love and hate the manager based on results, and they will continue to criticise the decision I've made about Kirk Watts until we are winning and scoring goals, and then it will drift away and disappear.

"If I made decisions based on what the supporters wanted, I don't have a job!" expressed the Scot.

"If the supporters think I have made a mistake they are entitled to that thought process." he added.

McIntyre came to Hayes Lane in October 2001 and last season the club finished in sixth place in the table and also won the London Senior Cup, defeating Ryman League Premier Division side Ford United 1-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge.

McIntyre said: "Tough decisions have to be made to be successful.  I think it was a tough decision to make, and I say it was the hardest ever decision I have made, but I didn't make it in a hurry." admitted McIntyre.

"I think Kirk Watts is a decent player, but he doesn't fit into my plans - he doesn't play in a manner for what I am planning for the future." revealed McIntyre.

Goalkeeper Andy Hunt may not be available for Saturday's FA Cup tip to Ashford Town, after picking up an injury in training.  He joins Michael Harney, Paul Kember and Grant Watts on the sidelines.  Mark Willy may be fit enough to make
the squad.

McIntyre said:  "I think Ashford is a must-win game, but even if we had won our last two games then it would have been a must-win game anyway.  But I think there is a good spirit at the club."


Ashford Town  vs Bromley, FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 13 September 2003, 3pm  @ Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth