Results are the bottom line and I know they must improve, admits Tunbridge Wells boss Jason Bourne

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Jason Bourne admits results must improve next season.

The club have under-achieved over the past couple of seasons and go into tomorrow’s Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division game at home to eighth-placed Hollands & Blair sitting in fifteenth-place with 36 points from as many games.

The Wells are safe, 10 points clear of the relegation zone with a couple of games remaining, but Bourne admits he must turn around the club’s fortunes next season.

“We have a full squad and really want the lads to enjoy it and play some good stuff to finish the season on a high,” said Bourne, who has played for and manages his home-town club.

“As a manager I know and appreciate that I am in a privileged position to run the playing side of the club that was established in 1886 and few can say that they have been in that position.

“For this opportunity, I am massively grateful and will do anything in my power during my time to provide the best for its members.

“We will be looking to pick up six points from the remaining two games and after that it’s for the chairman and the board.  I’m sure they will reflect on the season and do what’s needed to help the club improve.”

The Wells were 2-0 down at home to relegation threatened Beckenham Town on Easter Monday, before second half goals from Luke Hackett and Brad Potter claimed a point.

“After the Beckenham game the clubhouse was rocking. It was a good game with real passion from all involved and just makes you realise when all the pieces are in place on and off the pitch there will be no better place than the Culverden,” said Bourne.

“We know there is a lot of work to do. We know there will be mistakes, there will be critics and it will be tough but we will chase the dream again next season and there is no reason the corner will not be turned and be in a better place this time next year.”

Bourne was quick to praise his management staff for their support during some dark days over the past couple of seasons.

“A big thanks to my staff. Mark Stapley has been a rock especially after some bad days. He has lifted me and made me stronger. His experience in the game in invaluable and the lads have a huge amount of respect for him.

“Michal Czanner (goalkeeper coach) has passion more than anyone I know and would run through brick walls if I asked him.  His work with Steve Lawrence over the last couple of seasons is really baring fruit now.

“Marcell has been a great addition to the family and is exciting to work with. He will take us to the next level in the future, I’m sure of it.

“Physio Paul Murphy has made himself available at training every week as well as match days and I know the lads certainly would not have been as injury free without him.

“Stu Lucas is certainly more than a kit man. The time and dedication this man puts in has to be seen to be believed. He’s at training sessions, fetching and carrying. He is the go to man at the club and has never disappointed.  I simply would not do this job without his help.

“The board has backed and supported me all season and Mr chairman has been a pleasure to work for mentoring me when needed and reeling me in when getting carried away.

“The under 21s is in great hands with Ada Beaton and Barry Pickett, who have given us all excitement for the future, finishing third in the league and a Cup semi-final in their first year.

“They are the right men to nurture with their experience and understanding of the game. It’s a privilege to have their help as we are all pushing in the same direction.

“And lastly, the players. They have all dug deep for me and I really do appreciate it.

“We are all parts of the jigsaw, stronger together, without doubt.  Not many clubs have what we do. There is a lot of great people working hard but results are the bottom line and I know they must improve.

“It’s been my first (full) season as a manger and I’ve learnt a lot. I will now take that forward once the season is over, re-evaluate and go again, given the opportunity.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website:  www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Tunbridge Wells  v  Hollands & Blair
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 22^nd April 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG