Piscina holds showdown talks with Dolby tonight - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Thursday 05th April 2007

Luke Piscina is having showdown talks with Tony Dolby tonight in an attempt to salvage his Tonbridge Angels career, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 22-year-old newly-wed, a Tonbridge fans’ favourite, has played at least 540 minutes in his six outings for Kent League neighbours Sevenoaks Town, scoring two goals.

But Piscina will sit down with Angels’ boss Dolby at tonight’s training session to see if he travels with the team to Carshalton Athletic in a vital Ryman Premier League clash – or plays for Sevenoaks at Sporting Bengal instead.

Piscina admitted he needs to be playing regular first team football, and is enjoying his spell at Greatness Park.

“I’m getting ninety minutes football now in every game – what more can I ask for?” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after Sevenoaks' goalless draw against VCD Athletic on Tuesday night.

“I’m playing in a central midfield role, which (means) I’m getting more of the ball – a bit of a playmaker role.

“There’s no point not playing and losing your touch, losing your ability and your sharpness, so I’m glad for allowed by Sevenoaks to come down here.

“They know it’s on a temporary basis at the moment.

“Just need to sum up what I’m going to do pre-season but it’s good to be given the opportunity to come in on short notice, middle of the season, to get games under my belt to get my match fitness back up.”

Piscina wants another chance to help his favourite club to reach the Ryman Premier League play-offs – something they can do especially with big-spending neighbours Bromley slipping up.

He said: “I spoke about me and Sevenoaks with him (Tony Dolby) when I did and he said he didn’t want to let me go.

“I didn’t want to go. I said I love Tonbridge, I’m associated with them but I put it at the back of my mind for the moment until it comes up again.”

Piscina, who holds an unwanted record of most substitute “appearances” for the Angels, spoke to Dolby before Tuesday night’s bore draw against VCD Athletic – in front of just 61 people.

“I spoke to him today (Tuesday) and he’s interested in getting me back into the team for Saturday – but I’ve got to make a decision what’s best for me,” he said.

“I’m going training with Tonbridge on Thursday. I’m going to discuss it with Tony and see how it goes and make a decision then.”

“Basically I’m not sure at the moment but obviously with Tonbridge being at a higher level that may come to a priority – but I don’t want to leave the Sevenoaks boys in the lurch.”

Angels’ fans will hope Piscina will decide to return to the Betterview Longmead Stadium, especially as Ramsgate manager Jim Ward is an admirer.

“The fans are fantastic,” he said. “They support you week in, week out, even when you’re on the bench and that’s fantastic.

“But playing in front of 400 people or 61, there’s a bit less pressure down here to play well, which I probably need to get confidence back into my game.

“I worry about what people think of myself and my ability when I’m not playing.

“But if I’m playing in front of 61 people that’s fine by me as long as I’m playing football but I’d hope to get back to the 400 crowds (at Tonbridge) sooner than later because it’s a buzz that you can’t take away from football and anyone would like to play in front of that.”

Piscina admitted his interest in the game dwindled with life on the bench.

“I want to play football, 90 minutes in any game to me will be great,” he said.

“I lost a bit of enjoyment not playing and certain aspects go out of the window in terms of football.

“When pre-season comes around again, it’s time to make decisions and I’ve got to do what’s best for me and as I’m not sure I’ll make a decision to come over pre-season and just evaluate where I’ve got to go from here.”

He added: “I’ve not made a decision yet. I’ll be speaking with Tony Thursday and I’ll let him know.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Carshalton Athletic v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 7^th April 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PW