Cordice reads the riot act

Tuesday 12th September 2006

Terry Cordice is adamant his FA Vase flops can bounce back with a sensational victory over local rivals Whitstable Town, writes James Brown.
Faversham Town boss Cordice was incandescent with rage after seeing the Kent League leaders spanked 4-0 by Eastbourne United on Saturday.

But he is convinced they can go some way to repairing the damage by seeing off the unbeaten Oystermen in the East Kent derby at Salters Lane on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.45).

He explained: "We were battered by a bunch of kids on Saturday - it was the worst performance of my time here as manager.

"The players owe me big time and if they respond the way I think they will then we are more than capable of beating Whitstable."

Cordice was forced to field an under-strength side against the Sussex County League outfit with skipper James Holder, Gary Stock and Julian Beal all out through suspension.

Injured duo John Goodwin and Dean Abrahams were also missing but seething Cordice is not about to start making excuses.

He revealed: "Sure, we were missing a few but there was still enough quality out there to get us a result. Instead, they went AWOL and it's not good enough.

"There were players out there who had a great chance to stake a claim for a regular spot but we didn't compete, we didn't create, we didn't battle and I simply won't tolerate that.

"There will be changes on Wednesday night and I've a message for the players - don't come knocking on my door when you're not playing. You had your chance and you went missing.

"The club did all they could to ensure we were well prepared for the game. A coach was laid on and we even had a pre-match meal at a hotel on the front. It's so frustrating to then have to sit through a performance like that.
"Despite all our efforts, I guess they just don't realise the magnitude of competitions like the FA Vase. Well, there is no place in my team for those type of players and I've told them that in no uncertain terms."

Holder, Beal and Stock are certain to return to the starting line-up against the Oystermen and Cordice is looking forward to a great game played in front of a great crowd.

He said: "Dean Abrahams and Johnny Goodwin aside, we have a full-strength squad to choose and we will be ready for Whitstable.

"Those players who do survive from Saturday and play will know that they are very lucky to keep the shirt - they will respond in the right way I am convinced of that.

"Being top of the league has been a great feeling and we are expecting another big crowd. The fans will raise our lads, they always do.

"It is my job to make sure they turn in a performance that's worthy of those supporters and I am aim to do just that."

Cordice's boys take on highly-fancied Whitstable three days before another big game in the Kent League's Premier Division.

Thamesmead Town are the visitors to Salters Lane on Saturday although the Londoners will be missing former Faversham Town star Rikki Cable.

The younger of the two Cable brothers is suspended and Cordice insisted: "Rikki is a great player but we wouldn't have singled him out for special attention in any case.

"It's another big game for us but this is what the Kent League is all about. The games come thick and fast and you must be ready to battle every inch of the way.

"If Saturday's result has hurt the lads as much as it hurt me, then they will go out and get us six points from these two games. That's the challenge facing them. They owe me as much."

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Whitstable Town
Kent League
Wednesday 13 September 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham