In a dream scenario we would like to finish top of the bottom half of the table which all of us in the bottom half would like to do, says Kent Football United boss Danny Wakeling

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED manager Danny Wakeling says he is targeting a midtable finish.

 

The Dartford based club sit in the bottom four in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having banked 20 points from their 24 league outings.

They are eight points adrift of ninth-placed side Sporting Club Thamesmead going into tomorrow’s trip to twelfth-placed Snodland Town.

“We are looking forward to visiting Snodland Town tomorrow and fully expect as tough a game as we played out with them in a 2-2 draw at our place a few weeks ago,” said Wakeling, as he looks forward to his eleventh game in charge of the club.

“They’re on a good run under new management to their credit and we are anticipating a very similar game. Our drive, work rate and enthusiasm will need to be absolutely on point tomorrow.”

Wakeling’s tenth game in charge was their 4-3 home defeat to Greenways last Saturday.

“We didn’t play as well as we usually can last week. We were a bit patchy in spells which we’ve spoken about as a group.

“A blank weekend for fixtures followed by two postponements meant three weeks without an actual proper game which didn’t help plus we’ve had a run of injuries which have caught up with us but these are things that can happen over a season to any side.

“In the main, apart from a very poor first half away at Kennington, the lads have acquitted themselves very well so far in the main. We knew we would hit some peaks and troughs and it’s only natural given the circumstances we walked into and how we’ve had to alter things along the way.

“We’ve brought a load of lads in over a short period of time from various clubs so raw enthusiasm and ability gets you going initially but adversity is great to test the mettle and get to see the true application levels and attitude from all.

“After some assessment we’ve had another small recruitment wave to freshen things up and help the lads along.

“We’ve managed to strike a partnership with Dulwich Village in the Kent County League to get others out on loan in a group each week which serves a dual purpose to help them and a very good friend of mine, Dan Mascoll, tick over and keep that side alive as well. It’s mutually beneficial and keeps our squad large enough to be able to deal with injuries etc.
Bottom line is good lads who are good players just need to play football.”

The former Bromleians manager was asked what his aspirations are for the remainder of the season.

“We’ve 10 games left to play and it’s always been about making sure we are set for pre-season,” said Wakeling.

“In a dream scenario we would like to finish top of the bottom half of the table which all of us in the bottom half would like to do. We needn’t get hung up on that though as the main focus is to keep building and overcoming adversity along the way.

“We will continue to set up in different ways and find out as much as we possibly can about each other until the end of the season.

“There’s a lot of talent in the club and it’s needs to continue to feel free to express itself. We’ve got good youngsters and good experience mixed with it too. It’s not easy to put it all together or expect it to always come together mid-season especially where players have been signed from all over the place but if they maintain a high level of application and keep a positive attitude then the ability of the players will shine through.”

Wakeling, meanwhile, offered his condolences to the family of Ladies’ goalkeeper Jordan Dawes, who sadly passed away earlier today, aged 18.

The former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper was diagnosed with  liver cancer after suffering a stroke in November.

Wakeling said: “Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Jordan, who sadly passed away today. All of our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly sad time.”

Snodland Town  v  Kent Football United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 23 February 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Potyn's Sports Field, Snodland Community Centre, Paddlesworth Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5DL