Our objective is clear, we must finish in the top four places and regain the club’s Step Five status, says Croydon boss Liam Giles

CROYDON manager Liam Giles says he is hoping for a large crowd to watch their opening Southern Counties East Football League First Division game of the season on Saturday.

 

The Trams suffered relegation after finishing bottom of the Premier Division last season, having suffered 33 defeats in their 38 league games and dropped down to Step Six for the first time in the clubs history.

The South Norwood based club suffered a break-in earlier in the week, which caused damage to their clubhouse, office and board room.  It was the second time in six months that the club has been targeted.

Croydon welcome Rochester United to Croydon Sports Arena on Saturday and Giles is keen to return to footballing matters.

“After the events at the club this week, just getting the game on is a massive positive as at one stage we wasn’t sure if the club house would be safe and in a condition to host our opponents,” said Giles.

“We have no real idea what to expect from Rochester. We will stick to our game plan and hopefully that is enough to get us off to a winning start.

“With regards to the league I believe it will be the most competitive First Division has been for some time, if not ever, due to the four promotion places up for grabs.

“Everybody will see this season as the time to get promotion.

“Our objective is clear, we must finish in the top four places and regain the club’s Step Five status!

“We are hoping for a large crowd to get behind us, especially after this week's events.”

Croydon  v  Rochester United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL