Tunbridge Wells assistant manager Jason Bourne: I very much look forward to welcoming Brad Sandeman back. He is a man I very much respect and to be honest the work he did for the club in his time with us transformed the place

TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ assistant manager Jason Bourne says he is relishing testing himself against Brad Sandeman upon his return to Culverden Stadium tomorrow.

 

Sandeman left Tunbridge Wells in the summer when Martin Larkin stepped down as manager and subsequently joined Lordswood to join James Collins’ management team.

And tomorrow’s game will be the first time that Sandeman has returned with another club and Bourne is looking forward to the challenge.

The Wells are sitting in the top seven in the Southern Counties East Football League table on 14 points from their 10 league outings, while Lordswood sit in fourth-place having collected a couple more points.

“The last week has seen mixed results going down to Croydon and beating Holmesdale,” said Bourne.

“We have brought in a couple of exciting players over the last few weeks, with former Bristol City pro Ben Hunt and Hakim Griffin from Hemel Hempstead, which both bolster our attacking options.

“We found both results and performances a little bit frustrating but between Keith Bird, Mark Stapley and myself we are starting to change our style of play so we are realistic in the short term that it will take time to get the bond and understanding right amongst the old and new players.

“We are still missing Perry Spackman and Tom Bryant, who are amongst the best defenders in this league and even the league above and also have John Sinclair to come back in.

“The fans, committee and players have all been very supportive of the changes we are making and we all as a club feel we are moving in the right direction.”

Bourne is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Sandeman, who alongside Martin Larkin turned around the club’s fortunes.

He said: “I very much look forward to welcoming Brad Sandeman back. He is a man I very much respect and to be honest the work he did for the club in his time with us transformed the place.

“He had a massive influence on me as a player and now as a part of the management team and look forward to testing myself against him on the touchline.”

Larkin took Twitter to ensure supporters give Sandeman a heroes welcome.

“Big day tomorrow. Hope Brad Sandeman gets the welcome back from Tunbridge Wells and supporters that he fully deserves – he deserves respect,” said Larkin.

“Lots claimed credit for the players’ success in our time, Brad never once asked for credit but was as responsible for what we achieved as anyone.

“He’s a proper football man and as loyal as they come. He deserves a Royal Tunbridge Wells welcome back and I am sure he will get one.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Tunbridge Wells  v  Lordswood
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 26^th September 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG