We're definately comfortable enough to remain in the league, says Bromley skipper Tutu Henriques

BROMLEY skipper Tutu Henriques says the new squad at Hayes Lane is taking time to settle down – but vowed he will lead from the front to ensure the club retain its Conference South status, writes Stephen McCartney.


The versatile Henriques, 29, has become a fans’ favourite at Hayes Lane since he joined the club back in 2004 from Carshalton Athletic at a time when Bromley were playing Ryman League Division One football under then boss Stuart McIntyre.

The Lillywhites are now preparing for their fifth season at Blue Square Bet South level and Henriques admitted he is concerned that the team have lost their last three friendlies.

Manager Mark Goldberg, now in his third spell, has seen his side beat Gillingham in their opening game, but they lost to lower league opposition, to Ryman Premier League tenants Cray Wanderers and Kent Leaguers Erith & Belvedere, before going down 4-0 to League One outfit Charlton Athletic last night.

Henriques said: “Personally to get through 90 minutes is a good marker for this time of the season.  As a team you don’t want to be conceding so many.  It’s trying to create a mentality, a winning mentality, strength in numbers.  It’s a bit disappointing but we’ll certainly take the positives from today and just move on.

“We got into dangerous positions several times.  We created very good chances but couldn’t test the keeper to the right extent and just couldn’t capitalise from these great positions but definitely a lot of positives from the first half.”

Henriques, who has put pen to paper after agreeing terms, admitted it has taken Goldberg time to get his new-look squad together after several players left the club at the end of last season.

“Our pattern of play is coming, our understanding between teammates,” said Henriques.  “We had a new partnership in midfield (as I was playing alongside Danny Waldren) and was very comfortable in the first half so definitely very well done there.  We have a good three or four centre halves to choose from within our team and good leaders throughout the team.”

Henriques revealed: “We all got started very late so the thing was we were pretty unsettled at the beginning of pre-season.  We’re still settling the squad now and people are starting to feel comfortable and starting to produce on the pitch.”

Bromley remained undefeated throughout pre-season last year and went on to win all of their opening seven games to lead the table – but it all went downhill after Goldberg left the club and Hayden Bird (who was Goldberg’s assistant) had to settle for eleventh place in the Blue Square Bet South table and they were also runners-up in the Kent Senior Cup, going down to a disappointing 4-1 defeat to rivals Dartford.

Henriques said: “I think we’re definitely comfortable enough to remain in the league and it’s about pushing on so personally I’m thinking when the squad settles and we get the characters we need, we have experience at the level, we can push on for a play-off position and if we get into good form we can challenge.

“I wouldn’t play if I didn’t think I could win!”

He added: “The team can do it.  We know the level and Mark has had a couple of seasons at this level.  Importantly he’s going to build a team that can compete and more importantly challenge so you start to have faith from top to bottom really from management right the way to every single player and that’s what we’re trying to foster and create within the club with characters like myself, senior players like Rob (Gilman), Joe Dolan, so they bring all the youngsters and that mix together and just push on.”

Bromley travel to Ryman League Division One South mainstays Whyteleafe on Saturday – and Henriques wants to go to Church Road and get their pre-season campaign back on track.

“I think the Whyteleafe game is going to be very important because we’re going into that and we really need to make a statement as a team so I’m going to try my utmost and push everyone in the right direction to get a good result,” he said.

Henriques said he wants to win pre-season games to go into the league season in high spirits.

He said: “It’s an issue for me because you get used to playing well and you get used to winning and you build strength and confidence in those victories but we’re missing them so it has to be the complete opposite. 

“We need a result at Whyteleafe, build up some momentum leading to the other two games and start fast, quick against Hampton and just kick on really.”

Bromley kick-off their Blue Square Bet South campaign with a trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough on Saturday, 13 August, before welcoming Boreham Wood to Hayes Lane three days later.

Henriques said: “The thing is to be ready for Hampton when we kick off.  We know what to expect at our level, we know what Hampton are going to bring but we have to be ready, drilled and we have to practice and be as strong as a team and know each other and that’s what we’re trying to build right now.

“I’m club captain so I’ll be leading from the front and trying to be that figure who people can look at.”

Assistant manager, Murray Jones, 46, meanwhile, wants his side to bounce back against Whyteleafe at the weekend.

He said: “We’ll take a squad of players there who are expected to get a result.  We’re looking for a good professional performance.

“Our expectations are we’ll go into that with confidence, build on that performance (against Charlton Athletic in the first half) and get a true reflection and a good result.”

Despite the club keeping the identities of their signings under wraps, central defender, Liam Harwood, 23, revealed last night that he put pen to paper on a new deal last night.

The former Tonbridge Angels defender explained why he has re-signed for his home-town club.

He said: “I’ve just signed tonight, yes, for the season.  Bromley is my local club.  I want to do the best I can for Bromley and I’ve got a son due in October so it’s nice and local for me.”

When asked about the aspirations for the new season, the former Carshalton Athletic, Bristol Rovers and Margate defender replied, “I’m not sure really.  I predict an up and down season, hopefully more ups and if we can nick a play-off then I’d be happy with that this season.  I’m hoping there’s more ups, no reason why not!”

When asked if the new players have settled down, Harwood said: “A lot of good players have just come in so it’s a bit up and down at the moment.  Everyone’s friends, it’s getting better every training session, every game, everyone’s getting better, everyone’s getting to know eachothers game.”

After their trip to Whyteleafe, Bromley welcome Crystal Palace (Tuesday 2 August) and Chelsea (Saturday 6 August) to Hayes Lane.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net

Whyteleafe  v  Bromley
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 30^th July 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At 15 Church Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey CR3 0AR