I have been threatened and slated by a few on how I am running the club, says Lewisham Borough chief Ray Simpson

LEWISHAM BOROUGH manager/chairman Ray Simpson says he has been threatened and slated with regards to how he is running the club.

The Ladywell Arena based club are rooted to the foot of the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table, having collected one win and two draws from their 22 league games.

Lewisham Borough have failed to win any of their 13 games since Simpson took charge of team affairs following the departure of Ben Kotey and he revealed he has faced criticism as a result.

Simpson takes his struggling side to Dartford to play a Kent Football United side that are sitting in the bottom five, having won six and drawn four of their 23 league outings.

“We need a win to generate some confidence,” admitted Simpson.

“I believe we can win and so do the players. It has been a difficult time over the last few years for us and especially the last year.

“We have had managers/coaches who have either left the club, resigned or been suspended and the death of a player in the club.

“I have also been threatened and slated by a few on how I am running the club.

“I have huge backing of all the club directors and players, along with sponsors and the wider community and I will continue to develop the club especially the facilities, which as from March 2016 we will have achieved the necessary grading for the next level up.

“Kent Football United will be difficult as we know many of their personnel and have prepared accordingly.

“We also have a couple of their former personnel so it will be interesting. We need the points in order to achieve our target. Training has been fantastic this week on Tuesday and Thursday and the players are itching to show their quality.”

Simpson admitted Lewisham Borough are in a crisis.

“We have lost some personnel but have recruited quality to replace them and they are keen to help the club out of their crisis,” he said.

“We have a strong squad of 16 (including myself) as I have also trained well this week.

“There are a couple of injuries but that means opportunities for other players who have not featured regularly.

“The last three results have shown us to be poor and in chaos but that is far from the truth.

“I have had to make some big decisions which has meant some personnel have left and I will be introducing some personnel to assist me with the team management and coaching as from next Tuesday.

“Our target is to avoid finishing in the bottom two, do as well as we can in the one remaining cup (Hospitals Cup) and to build a family type squad and club for the future.

“We will be professional and disciplined in spite of our league position. Confidence really is high and at training there is great enjoyment and smiles on faces.”

Kent Football United  v  Lewisham Borough
Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League
Saturday 30^th January 2016
Kick Off 2:00pm
at Glentworth Sports Club, Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1JB

Article published: 22:30 – Friday 29^th January 2016