Closure talk has all been blown out of proportion, insists Malin - EXCLUSIVE

Greenwich Borough assistant manager Terry Malin insists it’s business as usual at Harrow Meadow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Slade Green boss has quashed internet fans’ forum speculation about the “demise” of the Harrow Meadow club, by saying “it’s all been blown out of proportion.”

And he vows that the club will still be around next week, despite scaremongers saying that Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Vase second round tie at Thamesmead Town is the Eltham based club’s last ever game.

Malin, taking charge of training tonight, ahead of their trip to Bayliss Avenue, confirmed that the club’s joint-chairman are currently away from the club as they’re making a living.

Tamer Hussan, a professional actor, is currently in Nottingham filming the sequel of the Football Factory, whilst Terry Gamage has business commitments in Torquay, leaving secretary Michael Cooper, and the club’s management team, to run the show.

“We’re not really too sure ourselves at the moment, we’re a bit in the dark, but the club secretary knows a little bit more,” Malin said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“We won some prize money from the FA Vase but there’s an account set-up and we can’t get hold of the money,” he explained.

“He thinks there’s not going to be a problem, but it’s not our club, as we’re only here as managers to deal with the playing side.

“The secretary is doing a great job holding it all together at the moment, but we’re waiting for some guidance and as we wait we’ll just carry on. We don’t want to get involved in it.”

Malin revealed that “the players have been allright, at the moment they’re fine” when asked if the players are getting paid.

But he tells the club’s dwindling fan-base - the club attracted a gathering of just 38 for Herne Bay’s midweek visit - that there’s nothing to worry about.

“The chat about the demise and the closing down of the club is a bit premature,” said Malin.

“If the situation changes, we won’t have a job, but I think the club will keep going, it won’t close.

“These things start on the forum and they escalate from everything.

“I’ll be very surprised if the club is not here next week. It’s been through much worse than this!

“I just think people hear something don’t they and a friend of a friend says something and it just carries on.

“There’s always someone who knows what’s going on but they don’t! The players are here and happy and carrying on.

“How long has this club been about for? A football club doesn’t actually die.

“People like this create a story because it makes good reading.

“It’s all been blown out of proportion and it will come out in the wash. We only manage the club, until we’re told differently, we will carry on playing.”

Malin and boss Phil Miles will have their players fully focused on Saturday’s game, with a chance to reach the last 64 of the FA Carlsberg Vase up for grabs.

“It should be a good game, both sides play good football,” said Malin.

“The only disappointing thing is it will be the lowest crowd ever. I would say to anyone interested in football at this level to come and have a look - it’s guaranteed to be a good game.

Borough are expected to be at full-strength for the Bayliss Avenue showdown, and Malin insists morale is good, despite internet gossip.

“They’re good lads, we’ve had them over a year and a bit now and for what they are, it’s not a normal team,” explained Malin.

“We’ve got four Englishmen, a couple of African’s, two Frenchmen, a Nigerian, we’ve got a Gambian, Turk, Greek - it’s a collective mix.

And on their opponents, Malin said: “They’re a good club, a well run club, and currently they’re the best team in the league, according to the table.

“We’ll have our work cut out but at the end of the day we’re more than capable of beating anyone in this league but it will be a tough game.”

Malin believes that his side are the underdogs for the match, adding: “Thamesmead are favourites with home advantage, they’re top of the table, but we’ll go down there and they will certainly know they will be in the game.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk invite Greenwich Borough officials to send us an official club statement regarding the speculation. Please click on CONTACT US.

Visit Club websites:

www.greenwichboroughfc.moonfruit.com

www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Thamesmead Town v Greenwich Borough
FA Carlsberg Vase Second Round
Saturday 17^th November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ