BACKING THE FLEET TO WEMBLEY: Weymouth will want to impress their new boss, warns Kimble

ALAN KIMBLE has warned the Ebbsfleet United players to expect a reaction from Weymouth when the two Blue Square Premier sides meet in the last sixteen of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fleet’s assistant manager knows teams always spark into life under new managers and is expecting the Dorset side to impress their new boss during the Stonebridge Road clash.

Former Chelsea boss John Hollins was appointed as Weymouth’s new manager earlier in the week.

The 61-year-old replaces Jason Tindall, who was sacked last Monday with the Terras languishing in 19^th place in the table.

“I’ve been patiently waiting for the right job and the chance to take over at Weymouth was too tempting a challenge to turn down,” Hollins told BBC Sport.

“It’s clear that Weymouth is a club with lots of potential and ambition.”

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Queen’s Park Rangers midfielder Hollins has previously managed at Swansea City and Rochdale and in the Blue Square Premier at Crawley Town, between November 2005 and October 2006.

Weymouth chairman Malcolm Curtis said: “After speaking to numerous candidates John was absolutely our first choice for the post.

“His appointment is tremendous in every way for the club. Not only does he bring us experience, professionalism and a passion for the game, but he’s also a great ambassador.”

Hollins replaced Tindall, who was sacked after just one year in the job.

The Terras lost 3-2 at Rushden & Diamonds, a result that leaves the club just five points off the relegation zone.

A statement issued by the club said: “Regretfully, following the recent run of frustrating league results, the board feels that it is paramount to act decisively in order to secure the long-term future of the club.

“Remaining in the Blue Square Premier is of the utmost importance to the club’s continued progression.”

And Kimble, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after the Fleet’s 4-1 midweek win over their local rivals Dartford to reach the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup, asks fans to flock through the turnstiles on Saturday as the club aim to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Carlsberg Trophy.

He said: “I just hope they’ve got enough money to come along on Saturday and support (us).

“It’s a massive game for us in the Trophy, I know we’re at home to Weymouth. They’ve just been taken over by a new manager, one got sacked but when a new manager comes in to any club they (players) always raise their game 10-15% so we know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“But if we apply ourselves like we have done in the last couple of months, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t get a performance and a result.”

Meanwhile, former Fleet boss Andy Ford, who guided the club out of the Ryman Premier League into the Blue Square Premier, has today been appointed the new manager of Blue Square South outfit Welling United.


FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Round Draw

Ebbsfleet United v Weymouth
Burton Albion v Histon
Aldershot Town v Braintree Town
Stafford Rangers v Tamworth
Crawley Town v Droylsden
AFC Wimbledon v Torquay United
Halifax Town v Rushden & Diamonds
Farsley Celtic v York City

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.


Ebbsfleet United v Weymouth
FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Round
Saturday 2^nd February 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA