We must be at our best and make sure we are prepared to take care of our own business, especially with some very interesting fixtures across the league this weekend, says Greenwich Borough boss Paul Barnes

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Paul Barnes says his first two weeks in the job has been a manic experience for him.

Barnes took over from Gary Alexander as manager after the former Millwall player parted company with the club on 4 January and has since joined Ashford United as assistant manager, replacing Barnes, who went the other way and was appointed Greenwich Borough’s new manager six days later.

“The past fortnight has been manic for myself settling into the new role at Greenwich Borough, with lots to organise off the pitch and start to build a structure that will give us the best possible chance of performing on it,” said Barnes, who saw his new charges beat Herne Bay 1-0 courtesy of Jack Barham’s winner.

“My first game in charge saw us come up against a very dangerous Herne Bay side,” recalled Barnes.

“We started brilliantly and could have been three or four to the good within the first half hour. But as is always the case, you must score when you are on top.

“Herne Bay came out in the second half strong and we defended superbly, with both Danny Fitzsimons and Calum McGeehan putting their bodies on the line.

“We imposed ourselves again and finally took one of our chances, after some great work by Kaka Dembele and a fine finish from Jack Barham. Herne Bay made us earn our win, but the lads showed real character after a testing week to hold out for the three points.

“On the recruitment side of things, we have brought in Michael McEntegart, whom I worked with at Welling United in the Conference and took with me to Ashford United before Christmas.  Macca brings great experience and character to our already strong group, with also the added bonus of coaching and helping develop our young goalkeeper’s here at the club.

“Also joining was Jack Tucker from Gillingham, someone who I did a lot of research and gathered feedback and reports on, he came highly recommended and I am very flattered that Gillingham have trusted myself and the club to look after one of their brightest prospects.

“Since then we have had time to work on various things, but having the game against Molesey called off, was less than ideal. However, it gave us the chance to get the lads in and train on Saturday afternoon, whilst also allowed for me to get along and watch Cray Wanderers play Lewes.

“Working hard to help build the environment and staff to help achieve our objectives and targets has seen me appoint Daniel Gill as first team coach, whilst also bringing in other trusted people to help with player support and make sure the fine details are covered.

“We have managed to secure partnerships with professionals in order to create a more professional environment and I am in the process of implementing team and player analysis programmes to make sure we leave no stone unturned when it comes to performances.”

Shoreham arrive in Eltham rooted to the foot of the Bostik South table with five points on the board from 28 games (they were deducted six points) and secured a 1-0 home win when the two sides last met on 23 September.

Shoreham occupy the sole relegation berth.   The next side, Molesey, have 19 points, while this is a game that Greenwich Borough must win to consolidate fifth-place.

Lewes rose to the summit last weekend after completing the double over Cray Wanderers in the top-of-the-table clash with a 2-1 win in front of 516 fans at Hayes Lane.  Lewes have 66 points in the bag from 30 games, leapfrogging over Cray Wanderers into second with 65 points, who now have 15 games left to play.

The play-off places are now occupied by Carshalton Athletic (61 points from 30), Walton Casuals (59 points from 31), Greenwich Borough (58 points from 30) and Corinthian-Casuals (57 points from 31).

“This weekend we welcome Shoreham, who again provide another potential banana skin, as everyone will expect us to get three points, but as the lads know, we cannot take anyone for granted, as proved when Shoreham hosted us earlier in the year,” said Barnes.

“We must be at our best and make sure we are prepared to take care of our own business, especially with some very interesting fixtures across the league this weekend that could possible do us one or two favours along the way.”

Visit Greenwich Borough’s website: www.greenwichboroughfc.com

Greenwich Borough v  Shoreham
Bostik South Division
Saturday 27 January 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HP