Vickers "well equipped" to win Kent League title, says Foley - EXCLUSIVE

Dean Frost, who was appointed caretaker manager for the last eight games of last season, following the shock departure of long-serving stalwart Martin Ford, reverts back to his assistant manager’s role as central defender Foley takes charge of team affairs.

But in a bid to keep continuity at the Crayford based club, Peter Burke (goalkeeping coach) and Terry Groom (physio) keep their positions, but Foley brings in Jenny Murphy as sports therapist.

And Chislehurst based Foley said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight that he’ll be spending more time off the pitch next season as he aims to guide last season’s Kent League runners up into the Ryman League.

“I’ve still got the urge to play football so I will still sign on as a player, and I guess if I have to play, I will,” he said.

“It comes down to who we have to play centre half - if we get a better centre half in, then he plays.”

Foley, whose played at the heart of Vickers defence for the past four years, has set his sights high for his first season in charge.

He said: “We sat down with every player to speak to them (and what) we expect from them and if they’re staying.

“Everyone of them turned round and said “they’re up for it!” and (will) stay with us - and get us out of the League - it was a very positive response from the players.

“We haven’t looked to off-load any of them. We are looking to bring in one, two or three new players but we’re very happy with the squad we’ve got.

“Our aim is to win the League. I’m not saying that off hand. I just think the squad of players we’ve got, we’re well equipped to win it.

“I’m not being disrespectful to other teams, the likes of Croydon, Thamesmead and Erith & Belvedere will be up there as well, but put it this way, we wouldn’t swap our players with any club.”

The former Maidstone United and Ramsgate defender will listen to advice from more experienced managers in his quest for Kent League glory as a rookie manager.

He aims to emulate what Whitstable Town manager Marc Seager did in his first full season in charge - by winning the Kent League title.

And earlier in the month Seager admitted contacting his “father figure” Tommy Sampson for advice during the course of the season - and Foley will do the same.

“I had a long chat with (Ramsgate manager) Jim Ward, my main manager for six years,” admitted Foley.

“He’s got a wealth of experience and knows his stuff. He gave me a few pointers (but) if I’m really struggling, I could ask my dad!

“I’ve got my own views on how things should be done and along with Dean Frost, I’m sure we will get there.

“It is my first stint, I’m really looking forward to it. Since the last game of the season I haven’t stopped making calls, sorting out players, friendlies and training - me and Dean are really looking forward to it.”

Foley believes continuity is important at Oakwood.

He said: “The key thing is it’s from within the club because really it’s that sort of club.

“It would be just a shame if someone would come in and bring in their own players and upset the applecart.

“We had a very positive meeting with the chairman, Chris Dudley and the secretary, and everything’s being put in place for next season.

“Bits and pieces are to be done to get the ground into the Ryman League. The chairman is as ambitious as myself and Dean - everything is looking very positive.”

Foley paid tribute to “Mr VCD” - Martin Ford.

“I’ve only been there four season’s, it was odd not having Fordy around,” he said.

“He was always doing something at the ground, for many years he was VCD.

“I know Martin has his own personal reasons for leaving. It’s a shame, he’s done a great job but football is all about looking forward and we want to take the next step - winning the League and getting into the Ryman.”

And Foley admitted that he was “happy” with the budget that he’s been given.

“It’s a decent budget,” he revealed. “It’s a decent amount for what we can work on. It’s not hugely different from last season but it allows us to get the one or two players that we’re interested in.”