We’re in unchartered territory so to put specifics on expectations would be senseless, says Greenways player-manager Rob Jeffery

GREENWAYS player-manager Rob Jeffery says his side are going into unchartered territory ahead of their debut campaign in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division.

The club origins are in Gravesend but they sealed a groundshare deal towards the end of last season to play their home games on the 3G pitch at K Sports’ complex in Aylesford so that they could play at Step Six for the first time in their history.

Greenways welcome Premier Division side Cray Valley in their opening pre-season friendly on a grass pitch at Cobdown, which is the training venue of Vanarama National League full-time outfit Ebbsfleet United.

“It’s obviously early days but pre-season to date has been very positive. We’re focused on the task ahead and excited to see what this season will bring,” said Jeffery.

“There’s been some slight adjustments to our schedule due to England’s progression in the World Cup but that’s no different to every other club at our level. The lads have been flexible and we’ve managed to ensure our schedule has remained largely unaffected.

“Saturday sees our first pre-season friendly against a very strong Cray Valley side. We’re looking forward to what will be a great test for the lads.

“Pre-season for us is all about progression and prevention. Conditioning their bodies with a steady increase in intensity and fitness whilst stimulating their minds with tactical knowledge to ensure when the first game of the season arrives we are at the required levels. As such Saturday for me is very simple, minutes under our belts and avoiding injury.”

Jeffery said he is keeping faith with the players that sealed promotion along with champions Kennington by finishing runners-up in the Andreas Carter Joma Kent County League Premier Division last season.

“We will be adding a couple of new faces to our existing squad and have a few lads that we are currently looking at but there won’t be wholesale changes. The majority of this squad have been with me for a number of years and they deserve the chance to test themselves at this level.

“We’re very particular when it comes to new players, they have to buy into the philosophy of the club, what we are trying to achieve and how they could potentially fit in.

“We’ll take each game as it comes this season and see where it leads us. We’re in unchartered territory so to put specifics on expectations would be senseless.

“We look forward to meeting new clubs, new people and hopefully new friends but we’ll remain grounded, respectful and confident going into the new season.”

Greenways  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 7 July 2018
Kick Off 11:30am
at K Sports, Cobdown, Station Road, Ditton, Aylesford, Kent ME20 6AU