We'll be ready for the start of the season, says Holmesdale boss Ben Kotey

BEN KOTEY says he’s enjoying his first few weeks in charge of Southern Counties East Football League First Division side Holmesdale.

Kotey and his entire management team left Phoenix Sports where they managed their reserve side in the same division after a couple of seasons in charge.

Phoenix Sports Reserves won the London Senior Trophy after beating their league rivals Erith & Belvedere 3-2 after extra time at Haringey Borough’s Coles Park ground in north London on 11 April, but they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sporting Club Thamesmead in the Hospitals Cup Final later on.

Phoenix Sports Reserves finished their league campaign in fourteenth-place in the table, while Holmesdale finished in seventh.  The Bromley based outfit had a couple of managers last term, Ian Varley and Lee Roots, who have since moved to Sittingbourne and Forest Hill Park respectively.

“I knew my remit at Phoenix and we kept that,” said Kotey.

“We did what we was asked to do over the two seasons. I felt we did what was asked of us.

“Even though it’s the same division, being first team manager, yes it is different.  The demands are different and I know that.

“I’m confident of my abilities and the people I’ve brought come on board and the players this season, we know we can achieve something this season.”

When asked about his aspirations at Oakley Road, Kotey replied: “Ask me during the course of the season and I’ll tell you then! At this moment in time I’m just focusing on pre-season and getting things in a shape and order so the players’ understand what I expect of them in terms of how I want us to play this season, so ask me later in the season.”

Holmesdale welcome Sutton Athletic to Oakley Road on the opening day of the First Division season on Saturday.

“We’re building to be in a situation when we’re ready for the first game of the season against Sutton, which will be a really tough game,” said Kotey.

“We’re at home and we’ll be ready for the start of the season.

“Life is good, the committee, the chairman Ray Tolfrey, Tony Beckingham, they made me very welcome, they’re very, very supportive.  I know what I need to do, just trying to build, hopefully a good squad for the season.

Holmesdale  v  Sutton Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 4 August 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ