Our aim is to push on and improve on last season, says Canterbury City boss Ben Smith

CANTERBURY CITY boss Ben Smith says he has put himself under pressure by bringing in Tim Dixon as assistant manager.

The club finished in the top eight in the Southern Counties East Football League last season.

Smith confirmed that Darren Beale continues his role as first team coach, while Dixon has previously managed Ramsgate and Hythe Town in the Ryman League Division One South.

“I’m really pleased to get Tim in.  It’s been on the cards for a while now.  We were waiting to see if he could commit time wise with his work commitments and it’s great that he can,” said Smith.

“He brings vast amounts of experience which can only help the club and my progression as a manager.

“That’s the management team completed now with Darren Beale continuing his role as first team coach and I expect the three of us to work well together as we share the same philosophy of how we should play and move the club forward.

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for both of them and the way they conduct themselves as their previous clubs so it’s a no brainer to work together.

“Naturally there will be views that I’ve put myself under pressure bringing an experienced and well respected manager in as my assistant but I’m confident in what I can do.

“I’d like to see some others finish eighth with our financial constraints and it’s all about improving and moving forward which Tim and Darren will help me and the club do without doubt.”

Smith is keeping his summer transfers both in and out close to his chest as non-contracted players can only sign League forms as from 1 July.

He said: “I guess like every other club we are talking to players that we have identified but we believe there is a lot of potential in the current group of players, especially considering the average age is very young so it’s likely there will only be three or four additions as it’s crucial that we get consistency from the off and build on the performances of the latter part of last season.

“Our aim is to push on and improve on last season but we’ll get a more accurate assessment of this during pre-season.”

Canterbury City open their seven match pre-season campaign with a trip to Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne on Tuesday 12 July 2016 (7:45pm).

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.net