8thoct04

Silk's second string goes from strength to strength

ANDY SILK, player-manager of Bromley's reserve side, is delighted with his team's progress so far this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bromley are sitting joint-top of the Go Travel Kent League second division table, but do have a game in hand over local rivals and second placed side Sevenoaks Town.

However, that seemed a long way off at the start of pre-season training in July, as Bromley, who have only re-formed their reserve team this season, started from scratch to build a side from players that played for the club's under eighteen squad last season and many local footballers who turned out for trials to play for the Hayes Lane outfit.

But with players coming into the team from the first team squad, this has helped Silk's side rise to the summit, going on a run of five straight wins after losing their first game of the season.

Silk, who has played for Bromley, Leyton Pennant and Cray Wanderers - where he won two Kent League titles in the last two seasons - is enjoying his first stint as a manager.

He explained: "When we started pre-season training back on the 6th July, you could tell who was going to make it, near enough straight away.

"The boys professional attitude, turning up on time, working hard with the fitness side and listening to what we had to say and ball work, stood out.

"Even though we didn't win a game in pre-season, you could see the progression of the squad and when we went to Hythe Town for the first league game everything - apart from the result - clicked into place.

"Getting our first win was pleasing, probably more for the boys rather than myself, because maybe it took a bit of pressure of themselves to get that elusive win.

"Since then we have gone from strength to strength with five performances showing all sides to our game, creating and scoring chances,  playing some good football to some dogged defending and some great team spirit.

"We have signed probably signed on at least thirty players this season ranging from first teamers to Rob Palmer's and Bob Falaise's youth teams and I can honestly say who ever has played has given 100%, which is great.

"Obviously not everyone can play so there are some disappointed players at times but as I said to the boys at the start of pre-season, I'm there boss but Stuart McIntyre (first team manager) is my boss and the reserves were set up all for the first team so even though we are top of the league, which is great, it's a bonus.

"The main aim is to get players pushing on and back into the first team.

"I'm really enjoying it so far, I have had some great help from a lot of people on and off the pitch and still dragging my body around the pitch too."

Bromley will be looking for their sixth league win of the season, when Folkestone Invicta are the visitors to Oxford Road in Sidcup (Cray Wanderers' ground) on Saturday.