We might have to find our feet in the SCEFL, says Crowborough joint-boss Sean Muggeridge

CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC joint-manager Sean Muggeridge says the club are looking forward to playing in the Southern Counties East Football League next season.



The club finished in fifth-place in the Sussex County League Division One table last season but have been switched, along with Croydon and Lingfield, to join the artist formely known as the Kent League, next season.

There will be 20 sides in the division when it gets underway again on 9 August and Simon Colbran and Muggeridge are looking forward to it.

"People may think we might be a bit down having to move from the Sussex County Football League to the Southern Counties East League, however, Simon, myself and some of the players I have spoken to are very upbeat and excited by the challenge which lays ahead of us,” Muggeridge told the club website.

"You can be negative and sulk about the move or you can be positive and get on with it and that's the attitude we'll have. After all, there will be two big games against local rivals Tunbridge Wells, then there is the games against Sevenoaks Town to look forward to as well.

"Ashford United, having finished as runners-up last season will probably be even stronger this coming season and there will be teams in the league who will have big budgets and spend it accordingly on players therefore, we, as a club, will be tested to the full.

"Other clubs may feel they have to pay for quality, however, Simon and myself believe the quality we already have within the squad, aligned with the talent coming through the youth system, that there is no club within the league that is in a more healthier position than Crowborough Athletic.

"Since our move was confirmed both Simon's and my phone have not stopped ringing with calls from players who are more keen to join us now than had we remained where we were. Like every club manager you look to improve the squad year on year, irrespective of what league you play in.

"With that in mind, there is already three quality players coming to pre-season training who we are confident will sign for us but we can't take anything for granted until they put pen to paper on or after the first of July and their registration accepted by the league.

"When Simon and I looked at the forthcoming season we agreed that we would have been in a good position to win the Sussex County Football League, Division 1 title but having now moved, we might have to find our feet in the Southern Counties East League as all the opponents will be new to us, however, we will also be new to them of course.

"There may have to be a period of adaptation but you never know really what you are walking in to until the season starts and you have played around eight games or so. With the U21 squad playing in a strong Suburban League and the U18 Southern Youth League squad having won their league we'll have players who will be able to step in to the first team without any problems as and when required.

"The hard work has already begun but we are all looking forward to the coming season and can't wait for it to start."

Visit Crowborough Athletic’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/crowboroughathletic