21stdec04

Bromley back in the hunt

WHEN a new manager arrives at a club, players always seem to buck their ideas up and put in more desire, effort and commitment than they did for their former manager.  This seems to be the case at Ryman League Division One outfit Bromley, writes Stephen McCartney.

Since former boss George Wakeling replaced Scot Stuart McIntyre the club have stormed to victories against Horsham (4-0), Fleet Town (2-0) and a 3-0 win over struggling Kent rivals Ashford Town at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

This has seen Bromley climb up to seventh place in the table, ahead of two big games over the festive period that can make or break their season.

Before this, however, Wakeling takes his side to Southern League Division One East side Barking & East Ham United tonight - and unlike Wenger or Ferguson with regards to the League Cup - he is treating the London Senior Cup with respect and is going there with a full strength side -  looking to win.

Wakeling said: "I'm treating it as a learning curve.

"I've watched Barking play away to Fisher and I thought they were a good side so it will show me what we are made off, if we can make a good account of ourselves.

"I am going there to win the game.  I don't want to mess around with something that's happening.  Winning is a habit, so is losing, so let's keep winning!"

Wakeling admitted "everything is fine" on the injury front but it's the next two league games that will give a clearer intension of what the rest of the season will bring.

The former Bromley manager, who took in stints at Ashford Town, Hastings Town and Carshalton Athletic, as assistant manager to Billy Smith, before returning to Hayes Lane is pleased with the players, but warns if they don't perform they will be shown the door.

It's this threat, hanging over their heads, that are making the players perform to their very best.

"Obviously I'm very pleased about it," Wakeling said.

"The lads are working really hard and showing a lot of discipline and have got some good results.

"I like to think I can get the best out of them and I like to think there's something for them to go for.

"We are not yet out of the play off's.

"It's a two-way thing, with input from the management and the players."

Wakeling won't be putting his feet up on the 27th December, he will be going to another match instead of eating turkey.  However, he will be hoping his players won't be over indulging over the Christmas and New Year period with two big "six-pointer" games fast approaching.

Metropolitan Police have also been given a new lease of life after announcing in the summer they will be playing non-policemen in their team.

They are currently second in the table and are only six points behind league leaders AFC Wimbledon, although the Imber Court outfit have played two games more than the Dons.

Then on New Years Day, third placed Walton & Hersham visit Hayes Lane.  The Swans have also collected 41 points from their 22 games.

Wakeling added: "On paper it looks like a hard game for us but let's see what the next two games bring.

"Basically if they keep performing you leave it alone.

"If I gone down there and lost these three games I would have changed it.

"It's up to the players to really have a go and not let me look elsewhere (for players)."

Barking & East Ham United v Bromley
London Senior Cup third round
Tuesday 21st December 2004
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Mayesbrook Park, Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, Essex