Metcalf: I know the challenges that lie ahead at Lordswood

Tenterden-based Metcalf, 49, was unveiled as Faversham Town’s new coach on Monday, 23^rd June 2008, after spending two-and-a-half years away from the game, recharging his batteries.

And he was officially unveiled as Lordswood’s new boss on Monday, teaming up with Martin Telford, who worked together at Tunbridge Wells.

However, the pair have a mammoth task on their hands to turn around the club’s fortunes as Lordswood have yet picked up a point from any of their first six league games.

Luckily, Sporting Bengal United, who have played two games more, have a worse goal-difference than they do and occupy bottom spot and Metcalf has challenged Lords’ players to buck their ideas up for Saturday’s home clash against Deal Town.

Metcalf, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk just before his first training session at North Dane Way tonight, explained his reasons behind leaving seventh placed side Faversham to a side lacking in all departments.

“It’s a real big decision and a lot to do with the friendship with Martin (Telford),” he said. “I’ve known him a long time and I spoke to Justin (Luchford) at Faversham and I decided to take the job.”

Metcalf and Telford faced the same challenges when they first arrived at Culverden Stadium, turning Tunbridge Wells from a struggling side into a top-six outfit.

“At the time when we went to Tunbridge Wells that was a difficult job as well, a big job,” recalled Metcalf.

“But to be honest, every job in the Kent League are hard jobs now, whether it’s the clubs with money going for promotion or the clubs down at the bottom just playing to survive.”

Metcalf has challenged his new side to get his reign off to winning ways, when tenth placed Deal Town visit on Saturday.

Derek Hares’ side have collected three wins and two draws from their first nine league outings and Metcalf sees this as a winnable game.

And Metcalf knows what he wants, adding: “I’m trying to build a side who can compete in the league. We don’t want to be down at the bottom.”

Despite not having a playing budget, Metcalf spoke about the methods that he’ll use to entice better players to the club.

“As I’ve said before, Martin and myself, we know the game, we know players and it’s a matter of trying to persuade them to come to Lordswood,” said Metcalf.

“Everything’s here for the players, the only thing that isn’t is the money situation.

“The club has spent a bit of money on new lights for the training facilities. They train at the club, there’s two pitches behind the main pitch and they’ve spent a bit of money around there, so they’re trying to look to go forward.

“I expect 110% from the players, who are here to show me that they want to play for the badge.”

Metcalf is sorry to leave Justin Luchford and Jimmy Strouts, and seventh place in the Kent League table, at Faversham.

He added: “It’s a lovely club Faversham. I’d like to put on record they made me really welcome. Justin and Jimmy are two gentlemen in the game and I’ve become quite friendly with them socially as well.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.com

Visit Deal Town’s website: www.dealtownfc.co.uk

Lordswood v Deal Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 18^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 9XX