26thjuly04

Youngsters get chance at Lordswood

LORDSWOOD manager Paul Piggott has put out an urgent plea for financial assistance to help the North Dane Way based club improve their position in Go Travel Kent League football, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 33-year-old plumber, who lives locally in Rainham, feels his club is based too close to more established clubs, Chatham Town, Sittingbourne and Gillingham to attract sponsorship, but insisted he is working hard to bring through local youngsters into the first team and wants local businesses to share his vision.

Piggott, has persuaded club officials to enter an under-eighteen side in the MUSH Kent Youth League this season, and with very little money, from a lack of sponsorship, he is willing to blend youngsters into the first team.

Piggott said: "We've had a couple of friendlies where we have lost 2-1 to a Dartford XI - but performed well, and then we played Bowers United on Saturday, and lost 4-2.

"I gave a chance to a few of our youngsters to see what they can do - and they didn't let themselves or the team down." he insisted.

Lordswood open their Kent League campaign on Saturday 14th August with a trip to promotion hunters Thamesmead Town - and Piggott is expecting a tough campaign - but hopes giving youngsters a chance will be good for the long-term future of the club.

He admitted: "It's always going to be hard for us, as we are going to start the season with a fairly young side."

"It will take time for the players to get used to playing at Kent League standard, but in time, it will hopefully pay off for the club."

Piggott has asked the local community to attend their home match against Tonbridge Angels on Thursday night to see the youngsters in action, and give financial support to the club.

Piggott, however, has signed defender Andrew Skinner from local rivals Whitstable Town, to add an older, wiser head to a very young and inexperienced side.

He revealed: "He will help our youngsters get through the season.  His experience will be good for us, and we need one or two experienced players in our young side."

Piggott, who took over the managerial reigns last season, is now in his ninth season at the club.

In 1987 he joined Sittingbourne, and spent four seasons before joining Chatham Town, and spent two campaigns at the Maidstone Road club.  However, the goalkeeper was out of the game for eighteen months with a broken leg, and joined Lordswood after a stint at Faversham Town.

Any company that can assist Lordswood Football Club for the new season can contact Paul Piggott on 0777 446 7769.

Lordswood are looking for an away fixture on Saturday (31st July).  Any teams that can accommodate them should contact Paul on the above telephone number.

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