Punjab United honour a Gravesend football legend - Greenways stalwart Willy Miller

PUNJAB UNITED manager Jugjit Sian has revealed he has named the club’s new stand after a Gravesend legend.

The newly-promoted Southern Counties East Football League First Division club have paid tribute to the late Willy Miller – who was a stalwart at neighbouring club Greenways.

The two clubs fought tooth and nail in the Andreas Carter Joma Kent County League Premier Division title race last season and it is very rare for a club to honour a stalwart of a rival club.

“The Greenways legend was our good friend and has supported our club for many years,” explained Sian.

“He was a great man, loved and lived football every day and I’m so happy we could name our stand after him.”

Sian, nicknamed Chipie, has seen his side claim an opening night point in a 2-2 home draw over FC Elmstead.

“I’m loving this league already, it’s unbelievable how the local community has taken to the games,” said Sian, who’s company sponsors Punjab and Greenways.

“It’s a real buzz in the town at the moment.  The Friday night game against Elmstead was played in front of 240.  I thought we played really well in the first half, had three or four chances to put us 3-2 up but only converted one and got caught in the second half.

“But we bounced back great but a draw was a fair result.  I liked the way Elmstead came across, really nice club!”

Sian takes his side to early pacesetters K Sports tomorrow. Kris Browning’s side are top after a couple of games after drawing 1-1 at Sutton Athletic last weekend, before beating their local rivals Snodland Town 2-0 in midweek.

“I can’t wait for K Sports on Saturday, going to be a great game,” said Sian.

“I got my captain Adam Cuthbert missing this weekend but overall I have a good squad.  Paul Lorraine is back in training following surgery on his knee so I’m hoping to have him involved soon.

“Overall, it’s been a good start, hoping we can get a couple of wins early on and see how the league goes.  Every game is exciting, players, supporters alike are all buzzing, ready for the next one.”

Meanwhile, FC Elmstead boss Fabio Rossi wants to build on their point against Punjab when they host Sutton Athletic at Oakley Road tomorrow.

“We were happy with the point on the opening game against Punjab,” said Rossi.

“We now have to repeat that performance again against Sutton.

“If we can stay at the level we performed at against Punjab, then we will be in with a good shout of picking up three home points.

“We do have to contend with four or five being out due to holiday’s, minor injuries or family commitments.”

K Sports  v  Punjab United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 12^th August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Station Road, Aylesford, Ditton, Kent ME20 6AU