The board are local people who want what’s right and put a load of voluntary time and energy into their club. We want to respect that and do our bit too, says Snodland Town boss Simon Copley

SNODLAND TOWN manager Simon Copley says it’s going to be hard work and fun as he takes charge of his first game of the club on Saturday.

Copley, 44, and his assistant Ian Varley took charge of the Paddlesworth Road outfit on Wednesday 3 July 2019 after the club finished fourth-from-bottom in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table last season under Simon Austin and Kane Rice.

Copley takes his side to Meridian VP on Saturday on the opening day of the season.

Dwinder Tamna’s side were thrashed 7-0 by Premier Division side Beckenham Town in their final pre-season friendly at Eden Park Avenue on Tuesday night.

The Charlton-based club desperately appeal for support from Charlton Athletic fans on Social Media - but Tamna and his predecessor fail to engage with the only media outlet who take an interest in their team, thus not getting any publicity to get people through the gates and some crowds last season were at a lowly 12!

“I don’t have any thoughts on the opposition other than knowing they have a great pitch, have rebuilt their team and are probably in that respect in a building process like us,” said Copley.

“In terms of the league, again I don’t have any opinion on it, how other clubs are or who will be front runners.

“Some club’s are splashing money, some club’s choose to splat their intentions on social media, some clubs will change managers quickly and that’s non-league football at this level.

“For us it’s a different scenario from Glebe, very different chairman, very different budget and a more relaxed approach all round to the season ahead.

“We’re a month behind in terms of preparation, we’ve tried getting players in but who have gone elsewhere for money reasons – and I understand that - and we’ve relied on good friends at higher levels to provide us with good young academy players.

“However, we have got some lads who played for us before as a core group and bit by bit we are adding as we go.

“It’s going to be hard work, but fun and I haven’t taken this on for any other reason other than for it to be enjoyable.

“With Trevor Bumstead, Ian Varley and Steve Northwood, we have great knowledge but more importantly have great friendships and will see what happens as we go along.

“Long term we want to build a squad at this club.  We have a new club house and changing rooms being built, our own 3G training pitch plus surrounding grass pitches and a nice match pitch and nice ground.

“As well as the first team being totally brand new, so are the reserves under Kevin Dalrymple and we have spoken to ensure we forge a close link and pathway with him and his squad.

“The board are local people who want what’s right and put a load of voluntary time and energy into their club. We want to respect that and do our bit too.

“Playing Chelsea away with my Arsenal under 12s this season holds the same excitement as Saturday’s first away game with Snodland, although the language in the dressing room will be a little bit different!”

Visit Snodland Town’s website:  www.snodlandtownfc.org

Meridian VP  v  Snodland Town
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton Park Lane, Charlton, London SE7 8QS