Slade Green aim for top ten finish - EXCLUSIVE

Wayne Baldacchino has made a brave statement saying that Slade Green can finish this season’s Kent League campaign in the top ten, writes Stephen McCartney.

Baldacchino has left his role with Erith & Belvedere’s reserve side to become Peter Little’s assistant at The Small Glen.

The pair replace Danny Evans, Adam Heaslewood and Andy Silk, who lasted just one season at the helm.

And Baldacchino makes a swift return to Park View Road on Tuesday, 14^th August, as Slade Green play the Deres in their second Kent League fixture, having started the season with a home game against Sporting Bengal United, the only side that finished below them last season, three days earlier.

“Having seen the fixture list, Peter and I are under no illusion that we have a tough job ahead,” Baldacchino said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We are building a new squad more or less from scratch and need to make sure that we have a blend of youth and experience to get us through the season.

“Without a reserve team (again) this season, it is going to be a challenge if we get any injuries or suspensions, but that is something we will have to worry about, if and when it happens.”

Slade Green commence their pre-season friendlies with a trip into Essex to play unknown outfit Frenford on Saturday.

“We have a large number of trialists at the moment and feel that we have a good selection of players available to us,” said Baldacchino.

“Saturday will give us a good idea on some of the players’ ability to face the Kent Premier League this season.

“The first three or four matches will allow us to select the right players’ for the right reasons and hopefully with everybody pulling in the right direction, we can aim for a top ten finish.

“This has to be our aim and not just to avoid bottom spot!”

Baldacchino is looking forward to their opening week of the new Kent League season.

He said: “It’s a tough start but any team we face is going to be tough.

“There are no easy games at all in this league and we need to make sure that we prepare our players mentally and physically as best we can for each game.

“I like to look at the season as a hurdle race. Every game is a hurdle. If we clear it, great, three points. However, if we knock it down, we move on, and try to clear the next one.

“I am quietly confident that with lots of hard work and everybody at the club pulling in the same direction, we can surprise a few people and raise some eyebrows.”

Baldacchino revealed he left Erith & Belvedere on “good terms” and is looking forward to working with another former Slade Green coach, in Little.

“I have no outstanding issues with the Deres,” he said. “I left on good terms and it was purely a personal decision to re-join the Green.

“I will miss working with Sean Clarke and Dave Fells and the reserve team lads, but it’s time to move on.

“Peter tried to get me over to Erith Town when he first took over there, but it was not the right move or the right time for me then.

“It is now and I have known Peter for many years through our youth days in the Bexley Junior League.”

With their predecessors lasting just a season, Baldacchino feels he’ll stay at The Small Glen for longer.

“We are both in for the slog and we think we can ensure that 110% will be given by our players in every match, no matter who we face,” he said.

Slade Green’s pre-season programme:

Saturday 21^st July (away) Frenford
Tuesday 24^th July (away) Penant
Saturday 28^th July (HOME) STANSTEAD
Tuesday 31^st July (away) Bromley Sports
Thursday 2^nd August (HOME) RUNNING HORSES
Saturday 4^th August (HOME) CHATHAM TOWN
Tuesday 7^th August (HOME) CROCKENHILL

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