We've got to get Fisher back to what it was, says joint-boss Billy Walton

FISHER joint-manager Billy Walton says he only wants to sign players who can see the bigger picture.

The club have unveiled plans to move into a revamped 3G pitch at St Paul’s, which is situated close by the club’s former home at Salter Road, and Walton wants to bring in players who want to stay at the club for the long-term.

Walton, who has brought in former Herne Bay and Lordswood manager Simon Halsey on 4 June, hopes it’s a winning combination for the Southern Counties East Football League club.

The Fish finished in the bottom four last season and Walton said: “Well you know as well as I do, Simon’s got a great history in the league. He’s a very experienced manager. He’s won the League and the League Cup so it’s very exiciting times to have him on board.”

Walton recalled: “The first time I met Simon in my Greenwich Borough days was when he was at Herne Bay. I realised then that he had the same philosophy as me.  The way they played that year, winning the League, was extremely exciting.

 “I’ve been a friend of Simon over the years. We talk to each other about football and the ideas of football and quickly realised we had the same ideas.

“It’s taken me a while to persuade him to come on board. It was my decision to get Simon on board.  I went out of my way to get him on board.

“He had numerous offers to come to other places but he chose Fisher, which is very exciting for Fisher because he can see the bigger picture.

“We’re trying to build a side to take us into the new ground and then hopefully we’ll take off and be back to a strong force that everyone knows we used to be like. 

“I think it’s great for him.”

When asked how the pair will work, Walton replied: “We just both sit down and we’ve both got the same ideas.  I think we can both see a good player when we see one and we’ll work it out who we’ll have in the team.

“I just like as many football people around me as possible. I’m not bothered who Simon brings in or what Simon does. I just want the club to move forward.  This is a great way of moving the club forward with someone like Simon coming in.”

Walton remained tight-lipped when he was asked about player movements coming in and leaving the club during the close season.

But he said: “We’re going to have a very brief tralist period for trailists and then Simon’s got people he’s bringing in and I’ve got the lads who are good enough to stay at Fisher.

“I’m sure we can put out a really competitive strong side for the season coming.”

The club will be playing their home games at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill Stadium again next season, but have called on local fans to write to Southwark Council to tell them why the club should return home.

http://fisherfc.co.uk/2014/06/03/we-need-your-help-to-bring-fisher-fc-home/

“That’s what I hope,” said Walton, who holds the club very close to his heart.

“I hope the players who are coming in can see the bigger picture.  I try to tell players what the club was like in my time and before it hit troubles. 

“It’s just a massive club. It’s by far the biggest club in this league.

“That’s what me and Simon have got to do. We’ve got to get back to what it was.  It will be hard.”

League rivals, Greenwich Borough have revealed that they are in talks with Edgar Davids, 41.

The Dutch superstar has turned out for Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, before moving to England to play for Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Barnet.

“If Edgar Davids signs for Greenwich Borough, me personally, it would be fantastic for the League,” said Walton. 

“What a great advert for our league that someone like Edgar Davids can play for Greenwich Borough. It’s absolutely brilliant.  Good luck to them.  I’m not jealous or worried about Greenwich Borough whatsoever. It’s absolutely fantastic for the club. I wish them all the best.”

Walton insists Ian Jenkins’ side will be challenging for promotion during their second season based at Dartford’s Princes Park.

He said: “Everyone’s playing for second place with what’s going on at Greenwich Borough, so I don’t think anyone else have got a chance of winning anything this year with what Greenwich Borough are bringing to the table so if we finish second, I’ll be happy.”

The Southern Counties East Football League will consist of 20 clubs next season, with 38 league games for each club.

Walton added: “I am looking forward with the new teams coming in and it’s good playing all those amount of games. There were stages in the season when you’re a bit bored because you haven’t got a game and you miss out.”

Walton, meanwhile, says he wants to experience a lengthy run in the FA Vase next season.

“Hopefully Simon brings his knowledge and I would love to emulate what Simon done at Herne Bay in the FA Vase (reaching the semi-finals). That will be a dream come true so let’s hope it does.”

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.co.uk