I know the quality I have in my dressing room and know what we are capable off. It’s now time to go out and show it, says Lordswood boss Richard Styles

LORDSWOOD manager Richard Styles says he’s feeling excited by the prospect of being a serious title challenger this season.

Lordswood finished in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table last season and with a new chairman at the helm, hopes are high at Martyn Grove this season.

Styles takes his side to Croydon on the opening day of the new season on Saturday.

The Trams are under a new manager in Craig Davies after Whyteleafe’s new manager Harry Hudson guided Croydon to a top five finish in his only season in charge at Croydon Sports Arena.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday’s game to get going with the real stuff,” said Styles.

“Pre-Season has gone smoothly and to plan with what we were looking for and with no injuries we have assembled the boys and did our business early.

“We’ve managed to retain the ones we wanted to after last season as well as bringing in players we felt added extra quality and improved the current squad.

“Our aspirations are clear and simple – to improve on last season and push as much as possible towards the top end of the table.

“The league will be a tough one this year with a lot of teams feeling they can have a go.  Some teams are already shouting above the rooftops saying what they will be doing but with one place up for grabs it’s never easy.

“I know the quality I have in my dressing room and know what we are capable off. It’s now time to go out and show it!

“Croydon will not be an easy game. It’s not an easy place to go to but we have a plan and we’ll go there doing all we can to bring the three points home.”

Lordswood have pulled off a coup by enticing Sky Bet League One club Charlton Athletic to Martyn Grove to celebrate the clubs 50^th anniversary on Wednesday 29 August 2018.

Styles said:  “There’s a lot going on at the club that’s very exciting and it’s a good time to be at Lordswood.

“The new chairman has come in and has expressed his expectations, which we will work towards.

“We also have the 50^th Anniversary game against Charlton Athletic and that is a fantastic coup to get them down and also highlights the partnership with the Charlton Athletic Lordswood Academy starting in September and which way the club is trying to move.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk

Croydon  v  Lordswood
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 4 August 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL