Longhurst plays down his side's chances

SLADE GREEN manager Matt Longhurst is relishing his side’s opening Bulmers Cider Kent League game at local rivals Erith & Belvedere on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Longhurst has been the busiest manager in Kent during the close season, as he aims to transform the Small Glen club’s fortunes in the months ahead.

“Pre-season has gone really well, the training and the games have been good and we have had a couple of tests against higher league opposition and also against lower league opposition so only time will tell if this has been the right preparation for the season, once it begins,” Longhurst told www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/

“Managers talk about playing the better teams to learn about players’ character and this can only be built by getting a winning habit and not being complacent against the lower teams as well.

“We’ll see who’s preparation has worked best when we get to Christmas and see where people are heading, who’s heads have already rolled and who’s next for the chop.”

The former Dartford coach believes the influx of players that have dropped down from the Ryman League can only improve standards.

He said: “There seems to have been an influx in the league this year due to new managers of players’ from higher leagues and this can only be good for the game in the Kent League, getting away from the channel ball and turn them around shots from the dugouts.”

And on his summer shopping spree, Longhurst said: “We have managed to bring some good footballers to the club this year but expectations are building around the club without us kicking a ball.

“I remind everyone that this is a three-year plan, not five minutes at Slade Green. The best is a long way off and until we have a playing budget and an average gate of over 60, we are going to have to leave the top half of the table to the likes of VCD, Erith Town, Erith & Belvedere, Hythe, Herne Bay and Beckenham Town.

“I notice that the clubs located close to us, Erith Town, Thamesmead Town, although now Ryman League, VCD and Erith & Belvedere, all having not just much larger budgets than us but a budget and no matter what people say that is when the pressure will mount if results and silverware do not appear.

“We don’t have that pressure, only the pressure that myself and Terry (Ratchford) put on ourselves and the players to produce a good, young footballing team that works hard on and off the ball and is organised with and without the ball.

“I feel we are nearing this now. During pre-season we have shown glimpses of becoming a very good Kent League team but the hard work begins now and results in pre-season mean nothing.”

Slade Green start with a trip to much-fancied side Erith & Belvedere. The Deres completed their pre-season campaign with an impressive 4-3 win over Coca Cola League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge last night.

“I’m sure there will be predictions from the Kent League faithfuls before the start of the season and after one result Saturday they’ll all change their minds,” said Longhurst.

“But that’s the wonderful thing about football, difference of opinion, which keeps us from being bored from Saturday to Saturday.

“We are very pleased with what we are achieving on and off the pitch at the moment and I am hoping to name just one more signing before this coming Saturday.

“Saturday’s game will be a tough one as they’re at home with their fans again looking to win the League so they need to get off to a flyer against us.

“The pressure is off us really going there as underdogs.

“They’re a really good team and I have watched them pre-season and have been impressed with some excellent new signings to date and no doubt a few more this week.”

Without naming names, Longhurst revealed he’ll have a depleted side for the Park View Road opening day showdown.

He said: “We have seven players missing due to two injuries last week against Ramsgate and holiday’s, so it’ll be a tough place to go.

“However, I’m sure that the players that come in will take their chance and make life difficult for us to choose the team against Tunbridge Wells (in the FA Cup) the week after.

“We are looking forward to going to Welling’s ground as the pitch is excellent and the facilities are really good.

“Everyone is expecting an Erith & Belvedere win. I’m sure we will go there and give a good account of ourselves and give nothing away cheaply.

“This young squad is very much looking forward to the start of the season.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website:  www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Visit Slade Green’s website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/

Erith & Belvedere v Slade Green
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 9^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY