It's always nice to come up against a team you had an association with, says Bromley's Neil Smith

BROMLEY coach Neil Smith says he is relishing Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly against Gillingham, writes Stephen McCartney.


Bromley resident Smith, 39, made 213 appearances for the Gills between 1991-1997 and he is looking forward to the Hayes Lane clash, which will be his first game for the club having teamed up with Mark Goldberg and Murray Jones.

“Always, whenever you come up against a team you had an association with, it’s always nice, but especially Gillingham,” said Smith.

“Obviously making my League debut there as a young man and playing with Hess (Andy Hessenthaler) at Gillingham.  I’ve got fantastic memories, it’s a great club and it’s a shame in the last few years they’ve been on the downturn but hopefully that can all turn around for them.”

A full-strength Gillingham came away with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Kent Invicta League outfit Ashford United last night.

Smith, who last season was number two to Tim O’Shea at both Croydon Athletic (Ryman Premier) and Lewes (Blue Square Bet South), holds Bromley close to his heart.

He said: “That’s right, I’ve lived in Bromley all my life, went to Ravensbourne School (which is located in Hayes Lane).  Bromley was always somewhere where we played our cup finals, Bromley Cup, played there for the district.  It’s a club I’ve always known, played for them for a short spell.  It’s great to be at my local, hometown club.”

The Blue Square Bet South club have not announced any news on team personnel, although other club’s have confirmed that left-back Harrison Dunk and midfielder Wes Daly have signed for Cambridge United and Basingstoke Town respectively.

It is believed that Bromley will be fielding a much younger squad, with experienced heads to guide them along the way, although no names have been unveiled.

“Mark’s in discussions with players all the time, that’s more his side of things to do,” said Smith.

“We’re obviously having a look at other players coming in on trials and whatnot and I imagine we’ll have a good understanding where we are on Saturday coming up against Gillingham in our first pre-season game.”

Looking ahead to their first game, Smith said: “Obviously you still want to do well against these teams.   It’s just a gage how far we are.  We’ve only been back a week, to have a game so early on it’s basically just a fitness test for them.

“I’d imagine players will have 45 minutes and go and express themselves for one if their on trial, to see where they are in terms of fitness, and go and put yourselves up against some of the boys who will be playing in the league next year.”

This is Goldberg’s third spell in charge of Bromley and at the start of last season, the Lillywhites won their first seven league games to top the table before sliding down to finish in eleventh place.

Smith said: “It’s always going to be difficult when you win seven on the trot, you’re putting yourself under pressure trying and do that again – but we’ll give it our best shot.

“We’re going to have more youngsters but you need that experience in there with them as well so hopefully we’ll have that good blend of experience with the young lads’ to guide them through.

“Mark’s done a terrific job up until he left and fingers crossed he starts off like that this season.”

The Football Conference published their fixtures on Tuesday morning and Bromley kick-off their campaign with a trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough on 13 August.

“I’m really pleased with them, obviously whoever you’re going to get on the first day you would have liked to have a home game but we’re away,” said Smith.

“It’s always going to be tough at Hampton.  They’ll have a new manager there as well now Alan Devonshire’s gone now.  Will they be a similar side to what they are normally? We will only know when we play them!

“No doubt we’ll have a look at their pre-season fixture list as well and hopefully try to look at them before the season.”

Smith, who turns 40 on 30 September, revealed that he has retired from playing.

He added: “I am 39 for another couple of months, then it starts changes.  It starts going downhill!  I’ve only just hung my boots up – Will I be playing for Bromley? I don’t think so.  If I do we are in trouble!”

Bromley officials would like to remind supporters that this game will kick off earlier at 1 o’clock.

Admission prices for all of Bromley's home games have been confirmed: £12 (adults), £6 (concessions), £5 (under 16s/students)

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net

Bromley  v  Gillingham
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 9^th July 2011
Kick Off 1:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF