I think it's going to be an exciting season, no one can predict what's going to happen in the league this year as it looks so open, says Deal Town boss Steve King

DEAL TOWN manager Steve King says his side face a big game to start their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign on Saturday.

Last season’s fourth-placed finishers welcome third-placed finishers Glebe to The Charles Sports Ground, which both clubs expected to be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

It will be King’s first game in charge of the club, having taken over from Derek Hares, while Luke Rooney takes charge of the Foxes for the first time.

“I’m really pleased with last season. It was a big step forward and our best finish for 20 years,” said King, who has been promoted from coach to manager.

“We have worked hard to build a squad that has stuck together, so it was good to see the boys achieve a top four finish.”

King has brought in six summer signings in the shape of goalkeeper Henry Newcombe, defenders Sam Taylor and Lewis Stevens-Toomey, midfielder Jack Hanson and strikers Riley Alford and Euan Sahadow.

“They are all good local players who believe in what we are trying to do and will add depth and quality to the squad,” added King.

Looking ahead to their opening day six-pointer against the Foxes from Chislehurst, King said: “It’s a big game to start.  Glebe are probably favourites and Luke Rooney has built a strong squad and has been well supported financially like all managers are at Glebe.  We are all looking forward to it.

“We want to continue our development as a group.  No one can predict what will happen in the league this year as it looks so open.

“We have set ourselves a certain standard of performance and it is our job to try and reach that level every week.”

When asked what kind of league he is expecting this season, the Deal Town boss replied: “A very open one.  There seems to be a lot more teams with good budgets this year.  There are a lot of good managers in the league and I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”

King is keen to continue the work that Hares put in during his long dedication to the Kent coastal club.

“Del was a stalwart at the club and will be missed.  I’m proud to have taken the title of manager.  We have been working on this project over the last five years so that work will continue and hopefully we will continue to improve.”

Deal Town  v  Glebe
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 30 July 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU