We want to make Crockenhill a force to be reckoned with, vows Adams - EXCLUSIVE

Crockenhill have made EIGHT summer signings in an attempt to change their fortunes around this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Crocks have been reprieved from relegation from the British Energy Kent County League premier division for the past two seasons, but assistant manager, Brian Meaney, believes things will improve at Wested this season.

Meaney, and manager John Adams, welcome their former club, Sevenoaks Town, to Wested on Saturday, before completing their pre-season campaign at Slade Green next Tuesday.

Crockenhill, have already played three pre-season games so far, and are still waiting for their first win, having lost to Thamesmead Town (3-8) and Erith & Belvedere (0-3), before being held to a 2-2 draw by minnows Halls Wanderers.

“Since coming back for pre-season, we have been focusing on re-building a team,” Meaney said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“So far all has gone to plan, even though some may not think the results are good.

“The results were not as bad as they, or some other managers, may think,” he explained.

“The Thamesmead Town match was 3-2 at half-time before ten players were changed at the break and that has been consistent in all of the games so far.

“With the new players tying out, we both still need to look at what we have, so the final results have not been important.

“What has been important is finding the right players’ to represent the club and get the club moving forward in the right direction. This has been foremost in our minds.”

The team that failed miserably last season, has been stripped apart and only six of last season’s players will be available for selection, with no less than eight new players arriving.

“There has been some great signings as well,” insisted Hildenborough resident Meaney.

Ryan Hackett, Joe Stoker, Ricky Stubbs, John Martin, Russell Nethercot, Matt Ellis, Dan Godward and Dan Kelly have all put pen to paper to sign for the Crocks as the managerial pair begin their salvage operation.

And the players that remain at the club; Chris Hacket, Tony Powell, Ronnie Jefferies, Luke Hammond, Michael Filkins and Aidy Cooper, will need to perform this season.

Meaney explained what his new signings can bring to the party.

He said: “Ryan Hackett, formerly an Erith Town and Sevenoaks Town player, will not only bring quality to the squad, but also experience.

“His vision is second to none and will be an asset to the club.

“Joe Stoker and Ricky Stubbs are also key signings for the club. These Essex based players were previously at Redbridge and Sevenoaks Town, as in Ricky’s case, and Joe has played for Canvey Island.

“Both bring more quality and an extra spark to the squad.

“Joe is a very versatile player and can play both wide and in the middle of midfield, but he can also give us something up front.

“Ricky is an outstanding defensive midfielder, who can bolster up the defence.

“John Martin, again like Ryan, was formerly of Sevenoaks Town and Erith Town.

“John will bring speed and strength to the wide areas of the pitch.

“Russell Nethercott had a spell at Dover Athletic and has brought tenacity in midfield. He is a player who does not stop running and can play across the midfield.

“These five players all raise the level here at Crockenhill, but that is not where it has stopped.

“Two other key signings have been Matt Ellis and Dan Godward. The two came from Orpington and are generally unknown at this level, but both have already exceeded expectations and brought more depth to squad.

“Matt has electric pace and can play on both flanks.

“Godward, however, has been one of the finds of the season. The striker has an excellent touch and pace to match and would not look out of place in the next league up. He is someone to watch over the coming season.

“And an unknown to the Kent County League from Sutton, Dan Kelly, has proved already that he has the potential to have what it takes in this league.

“We have been boosted with the come-back of Darren Ski from a broken ankle. Darren is another versatile player who will also give quality and depth to the squad.

“The players that have stayed have to raise their game as there are more players fighting for places in the squad.

“However, players like Chris Hacket, Tony Powell, Ronnie Jefferies, Luke Hammond, Michael Filkins and Aidy Cooper, have rose to the challenge and raised their games.”

Meaney and Adams, however, are desperate to turn around the club’s fortunes, and are aiming for a top six finish.

“Both John and I are very positive about what lies ahead for the future,” said Meaney.

“We have a couple of youngsters coming through and breaking into the first team squad.

“One particular name to look out for is Joe Plant, and the reserves will now be competing in a league, this should give excellent cover, if required.

“A professional attitude has been taken here at Crockenhill and pre-season has gone very well, with the players’ getting fitter every week.”

Looking ahead to their two games against Kent League sides, Sevenoaks Town and Slade Green, Meaney said: “Both these matches will be a test of how prepared we are for the season.

“With the exception of four individuals on holiday, for the first two games of the season, we are looking to start the season strong.

“When these new signings gel as a team we are more than confident that they will not be down the bottom fighting to stay alive as the two previous years have been, but realistically in the top six, or if things go well, higher, fighting for honours.”

Experienced manager, John Adams, meanwhile, expects the club to improve vastly.

He said: “We have signed the right players this year to easily exceed the 20 goals (that we) scored and 55 conceded last year and we are looking much stronger.

“Everything has been spot on so far this year, the training has been second to none and the attitude and the commitment from the new players’ has been outstanding.

“All we need now is for the new signings to start to gel a little bit more on the pitch and the results will come.

“We want to make Crockenhill a force to be reckoned with this year and with these signings and the youth coming up and impressing, it will not be long before this happens.”

Visit Crockenhill’s website: www.crockenhillfc.co.uk

Crockenhill v Sevenoaks Town
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 4^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Wested Meadow, Eynsford Road, Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EH