We're going into the unknown, admits promoted Holmesdale chairman - EXCLUSIVE

Holmesdale chairman Ray Tolfrey is delighted that Kent League clubs voted in the Bromley side at last night’s annual general meeting at Lordswood, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Oakley Road club have secured back-to-back Kent County League titles during the past two years and celebrate their 50^th anniversary with election into the Kent League - but have a year to fulfil certain criteria.

“What they’ve done, they’ve given us the timescales because our planning application has been approved,” Mr Tolfrey said EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“They’ve (the Kent League management committee) given us until May 2008 to get the lights erected and obviously with other certain criteria in place for the new season.”

Holmesdale must fork out at least £8,000 ahead of the new Kent League season, which kick’s off on 11^th August, for a new boardroom and a hard-standing walkway from their changing rooms to their immaculate pitch.

With promotion winning boss Tony Beckingham away in Dubai on work commitments, Mr Tolfrey revealed who their new “co-manager” is.

He said: “The situation changed slightly that Tony Beckingham has just gone to Dubai for three months, so we’ve got a co-manager in place.

“Ken Thurgood came from Warlingham in the Combined Counties League - that’s all I know really.

“He’s come highly recommended - he spent eight years at Crystal Palace coaching.”

Mr Tolfrey admits the club, whose reserves have been elected into the second division of the Kent League, will take time to adjust to the higher level of football.

He said: “We’re expecting to find it very difficult for our first year up there.

“We are a club who has no budget and are not going to pay players and hopefully we’re looking to keep our head above water and above the relegation positions really.

“Just test the waters up there and see if we can live with those boys.

“Hopefully the fact that we are in that league may attract us a few players. We know we need a few new players to strengthen our squads.”

Holmesdale have already confirmed four pre-season friendlies, starting with trips to Cray Valley (14^th July) and Colliers Wood seven days later.

The pick of the bunch is a game against neighbours Bromley, who visit Oakley Road on Saturday, 28^th August, before Horley Town visit on Saturday, 4^th August.

Holmedale are now the third side that play in Bromley, and Mr Tolfrey hopes fans of the Blue Square Southern club - and Cray Wanderers - watch their debut Kent League campaign.

He said: “Obviously we’re not going to compete with Bromley, Conference South with their budget.

“Hopefully they’re people who look lower down with the grass roots.”

Holmesdale invite players to attend their first pre-season training session, at Oakley Road, on Thursday, 28^th July.

“I’m excited,” said the chairman. “Yes, we’re going into the unknown as a club - something we felt we wouldn’t achieve.

“We were voted in (at the AGM), with no objections - they had a few queries about things, clubs wanted to know that planning permission had been agreed.”

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk