Dolby keeps his options open

TONY DOLBY’S career has gone full circle, but he’s enjoying playing again after managerial stints with Tonbridge Angels and Hastings United, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 34-year-old, who started his career as a first team professional at Millwall, was persuaded to sign for Cray Wanderers by manager Ian Jenkins in the close season, in a bid to get the Hayes Lane club promoted into the Ryman Premier League.

Dolby, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk following the club’s FA Carlsberg Trophy exit at the hands of Brackley Town on Saturday, revealed he spent the summer getting back into shape so he can play his part in the club’s promotion push.

Dolby, who specialises in left-footed set-pieces, can play anywhere in an outfield position, but doesn’t mind playing as a striker, where he has scored six goals so far this season.

“At the start of the season, Ian (Jenkins) saw me as a centre forward, which I was more than happy with,” said Dolby.

“I got fit during the summer (losing two stone in weight) and been scoring a few goals and been doing ok and I’ve been enjoying it again.

“It was different in the beginning but I mentally sorted myself out in the summer to say to myself I was definitely going to be playing again this year so quickly made that transition from manager to play and haven’t thought about it much since.”

Dolby, however, wants to get back into management, going through the ups and downs with Tonbridge Angels during his three years at Longmead Stadium, and maintaining Hastings United’s status in the Ryman Premier League last term.

“That’s where the future lies definitely,” said Dolby. “At the moment I’m just enjoying playing, enjoying being fit and we’ll see what happens as time goes on.

“There’s been a couple of things that have been spoken about over the last few months, but I’m getting my head down playing football, keeping fit and enjoying it ultimately.”

Although wanting to get back into management, Dolby insists he is not after Jenkins’ job at Hayes Lane.

“On the contrary there’s been no problems whatsoever,” said Dolby. “Ian and Joe have been fantastic. They’ve been at Cray forever. There’s certainly no threat from myself whatsoever.

“I’ve come down here just to play football and do whatever they want me to do and that’s how it’s worked so far.”

Defender Steve Aris and goalscoring revelation Scott Kinch both played under Dolby at Tonbridge Angels, but that’s been no problem to all concerned.

“I was friends with Scott and Steve outside of the game anyway so literally it was mates cracking on in football again so there’s not really been a problem in the transition. It’s gone swimmingly to be fair,” said Dolby.

Dolby believes the club’s blend of youth and experience will take the club where it wants to be next season - the Ryman Premier League.

“There’s a good blend to be fair,” said Dolby. “Joe and Ian have worked hard during the summer to bring in what they feel is a squad capable enough to get promoted.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Eastbourne Town, a side in fourteenth place in the table, Dolby believes third placed Wands will be too strong for the East Sussex side.

“We’ve been fantastic on the road in the last few games,” he said. “We’ve scored 17 goals in 3 games away from home recently.

“We’re certainly playing with no fear and we’ll go to Eastbourne no doubt on the front foot and hopefully we’ll get the result and keep in touch with Kingstonian.”

Assistant manager Joe Francis revealed at the weekend that 12-goal Kinch may be fit on Saturday, having missed the game against Brackley Town, having pulled his hamstring in training two nights earlier. Midfielder Jamie Kempster, meanwhile, will return to the squad following suspension.

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk

Eastbourne Town v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 29^th November 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Saffrons, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1EA