I'm convinced we will be challenging for honours nest season, insists new Mead boss

After replacing Paul Blade as first team manager of Thamesmead Town towards the end of the season, Keith McMahon is looking forward to next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

McMahon, who was Blade’s assistant, guided the Bayliss Avenue outfit to third place in the Kentish Observer League table behind double winners Maidstone United and Beckenham Town.

“It’s a great job for me and one I’m really looking forward to,” McMahon told www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

“I have had some good people to learn from in the way of Paul and Terry Hill, and I feel that I can take the club on with a few fresh faces in the summer.

“Thamesmead is one of the top jobs to have in the Kent League and I am fortunate that the chairman Nick O'Keeffe has giving me the chance to take the club forward.”

The raven haired manager will be looking to improve on this season’s finish but will have some good players coming through the ranks.

“We have some excellent facilities here and along with the good squad that Paul has left me, I'm convinced we will be challenging for honours nest season,” he said.

“I will have a tough job of stepping into Paul's shoes as he has done an excellent job over the past four years, but with the committee's backing I’m sure I can get the club where it wants to be.

“I am lucky to inherit such a healthy club, with the 1st team finishing 3rd this season and the reserves winning their league, our under 18's and under 16's look like they are going to win their leagues to I have an excellent crop of youngsters already at the club.

“Nearly all of last years squad will be staying so I won't be looking for lots of changes in the summer and with these young players we already have, the future looks very bright indeed. I can't wait for the season to start."

Meanwhile, The Mead have already announced one pre-season friendly when an Arsenal XI come to Bayliss Avenue on Sunday, 16^th July 2006, 3pm.

If your club want to advertise your pre-season matches please click “Contact Us”.