We're looking to kick-start our season, says Tunbridge Wells boss Jason Bourne

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Jason Bourne hopes hard work on the training ground will help the club rise up the table.

 

The Wells are in a transitional period at the moment and have slipped down to a disappointing bottom five in the Southern Counties East Football League table on 21 points from as many games.

Bourne has been in charge of his beloved home-town club for eight games, winning two and losing six.

Tunbridge Wells welcome newly-promoted AFC Croydon Athletic to Culverden Stadium tomorrow and Bourne expects a tough game.

He said: “We have a tough home game to AFC Croydon Athletic. When we played them at their place they edged a good game, so looking to level things up and kick start our season.

“We hope to have a few fresh faces registered in time for tomorrow’s game to bolster our attacking options, which I am very excited about.”

Tunbridge Wells have confirmed the arrival of striker Ryan Crandley, 17, on loan from League One side Gillingham, while Alwayne Jones, another striker, has previously played for Cray Valley and Lordswood.

Tunbridge Wells are only four points clear of second-from-bottom side Croydon, managed by Dickson Gill.

“Firstly, my aims for 2016 are quite simply improvement and development of the young players we have on board,” said Bourne.

“We train twice a week and always get full attendance. The place is in great spirit so I’m confident we will see the fruits of our hard work very soon.

AFC Croydon Athletic arrive at Culverden Stadium sitting a couple of places above The Wells on 22 points from 18 games.

The Rams are managed by Antony Williams and he wants to continue his side’s good form away from Mayfield Road.

“We go into tomorrow’s game on the back of two away wins,” said Williams.

The Rams won the Croydon derby with a 2-1 win at Croydon Sports Arena in their last game.

“The Boxing Day win at Croydon was very needed and I was surprised to be honest,” admitted Williams.

“We had eight starters missing on Boxing Day. The size of the squad was definitely used last weekend. It was a great derby win.

“Our recent performances has given us hope for 2016.

“In January we play a lot of sides in and around us. It’s important we pick up points as we have a very tough February coming up.

“We’re aiming for at least ten points this month.”

Williams hopes the large vocal crowd at Culverden Stadium will inspire his players.

He said: “Tunbridge Wells will have great support tomorrow as always and I’m sure the lads will be right up for the game.

“We will look to go there and be positive as always.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Visit AFC Croydon Athletic’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/afccroydonathletic

Tunbridge Wells  v  AFC Croydon Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 2^nd January 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG

Article published at 19:00 – Friday 1 January 2016
Article updated at 22:30 – Friday 1 January 2016