Ford keeps his new quartet close to his chest

Ford has been out of management since his fourteen-year reign at local neighbours VCD Athletic came to an end in April 2007.

Ford, speaking to www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc, says he is “delighted” to have been given the opportunity to take over at fellow Kent League club, Slade Green, although he knows there will be tough times ahead.

But he has installed a couple of coaches that he worked alongside at Oakwood to help him.

“I am under no illusions that this job will be a tough ask,” he said. “But alongside Alan Seamons - who I have appointed as my assistant manager - and Peter Burke - coach - I can see a bright future.”

Ford’s first game in charge, at league leaders Hythe Town, was frozen off on Saturday, but Ford has been pleased with the work ethic from his new side during training, as he prepares for Saturday’s home game against Sevenoaks Town.

Although he has added four new players to the squad, Ford has kept their identities close to his chest - and will unveil who they are when he hands in his team-sheet on Saturday afternoon.

“I have been left a very good squad and those players (here before I arrived) will be given every chance to impress us,” said Ford.

“Already the commitment shown in some very good training sessions has been first class.

“We have four new signings, which hopefully will improve the squad, so we will push on from here.”

Slade Green go into the game presently sitting in the bottom four in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, with a record of five wins and three draws from their 16 games.

Ford, meanwhile, knows what he’s expecting in the second half of the season.

“It would be foolish for me to predict where we will end up at the end of the season at this stage, so let’s just say that we will give it our best shot and as long as we are progressing game by game, I will be happy,” he said.

But it’s good to have a character back managing a Kent League club.

“May I say the break from football has done me the power of good,” said Ford. “I needed to spend some time with my family and on my business.

“I feel refreshed and ready now for a new challenge. I am very much looking forward to being (back) in the dug out.”

Quotes courtesy of www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/

Slade Green v Sevenoaks Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 17^th January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Small Glen, Moat Lane, Slade Green, Erith, Kent