I can bring some really good things to Crockenhill, says newly-appointed boss Chris Sundborg

CROCKENHILL have appointed Chris Sundborg and Uche Ibemere as their new management team after controversially sacking Kevin Dalrymple after only six games in charge for not playing the chairman’s sons and players not drinking in the clubhouse post-match.

The pair took over for last Saturday’s 3-3 home draw against K Sports but they suffered a 6-1 defeat at Phoenix Sports Reserves last night.

“I was the number two at the start of the season under Kevin Dalrymple. I left three games into the season as me and the manager at the time wasn’t working well together,” admitted Sundborg.

“It was my first job as an assistant manager.  All my other previous roles were as manager and I quickly realised that being a number two wasn’t for me.

“I am too used to being in control and doing things my own way so I thought it was best if I left.  I was gutted because there were some really good lads there.

“When I got the call to come in as manager after the manager had departed I jumped at the chance.  I really like the lads there and feel with my attacking mentality and the style of football I like my teams to play, we could really build a strong little team.

“I am only 30 and have not managed at his level before but I played at a good level before snapping my cruciate ligament and having to retire from playing.  I have also managed for the past six years at lower levels.

“I feel I have learned enough about the game to adapt to this level and bring some really good things to Crockenhill.

“I have managed Bexley Borough in the Kent County Leagues and took my last Sunday side South East Wonderers FC from the bottom division to the Premier Division.  I have also helped out around several other Kent County teams in recent years.”

Sundborg has brought in former Dartford, VCD Athletic and Cray Wanderers winger Uche Ibemere, who suffered his second leg break of his career just seconds after coming as a substitute for Cray Wanderers against Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday 16 January 2016.

But it’s good to see Ibemere staying involved in the game as his experience will be an asset to Crockenhill’s players.

Sundborg said: “I have brought in a new assistant manager in Uche Ibemere, who has played at a very good level for Dartford, VCD Athletic, Cray Wanderers and has coached in this division too at Eltham Palace.  He is currently working with Crystal Palace’s under 14’s girls and really helps us bring a professional approach to training and to our approach on match days.  I am delighted he accepted my offer to be my assistant.

“Also, I am delighted that our goalkeeper coach Jason Campbell has decided to stay. Our goalkeeper Danny Cox has really enjoyed working with him so far this season and his performances has reflected this.

“Danny Cox will also be our captain for the season as our previous captain has left along with quite a few others of the first team squad.  There were quite a few players who left when the manager left and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

“We’ve managed to get a few new players signed and convinced a few players who had left a while back to re-join in time for last weekend’s 3-3 draw with K Sports.

“I thought it was a really good result considering all the changes and drama that had taken place during the week.

“The lads all worked their socks off and done their best to forget about all of the off-the-field drams.

“All three of our strikers (Alex Ball, Mojeed Adisa and Craig Hewett) scored, which was pleasing but we must tighten up at the back.  We have conceded far too many goals (22) so far this season and we know this cannot continue if we want to progress up the table.

“There has been a lot of negativity about this club in recent weeks but I am not here to comment on that.  My focus is solely on what lies ahead and I hope to bring exciting football that people enjoy playing and watching.

“Good luck to all the teams in our league and I look forward to pitting my wits against them all.”

Crockenhill are in thirteenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table having won two, drawn one and lost five of their league games.  The Crocks host third-from-bottom side Forest Hill Park on Saturday.

Crockenhill  v  Forest Hill Park
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 10^th September 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Wested Meadow, Eynsford Road, Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EJ