We want to get out of this division, says Kent Football United boss Sam MacNeil

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED, a FA Charter Standard Club, are delighted to announce the appointment of James Cole as their new player-assistant manager.



Cole, 30, comes in to assist manager Sam MacNeil for the foreseeable future and help assist to take the Crayford-based club out of the Kent Invicta League at the end of next season.

Cole had a playing career which included spells at Leyton Orient and Stevenage after being a youth team player at Tottenham Hotspur.  He then dropped into non-league football and played for numerous Essex clubs, Barking & East Ham United, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge and Thurrock.

MacNeil, who at 21 is the youngest football manager in senior-football in Kent, said: “Personally and on behalf of the club we are delighted to publically announce James Cole as the new assistant manager.

“James will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of non-league football to the club whilst also still playing as part of the squad.”

Kent Football United complete their Kent Invicta League campaign with a trip to Orpington on Saturday and can only finish in the bottom six.

MacNeil said: “The club has made great strides off the pitch this season. We have grown the club massively in terms of our infrastructure and this is all this season was about, building for the next campaign.

“Our youth system and community schemes are all in place as well as the structure at senior level for us to mount a serious challenge next season.

“Bringing James in is something I’ve wanted to do and this season is the perfect time now with everything in place behind the scenes.

“We can now bring in the players we need and want to get out of this division. It is time for club’s to really take us seriously next season. We don’t want to be playing Kent Invicta League football at Oakwood after next season.

“Personally me and James are setting high targets, which we know are achievable and we are very excited about pre-season getting underway at the end of June.

“We will be lining up 8-10 friendlies to have a good look at a whole host of interested players to ensure we have a squad capable of challenging for top honours next season.

“Some clubs at non-league level had to sacrifice a season on the pitch to ensure the infrastructure gets build off it otherwise long time you have no club left.

“Kent Football United would like to thank the number of volunteers behind the scenes who have worked so hard during this season to get us to where we need to be going into pre-season and myself and James are excited about the prospects ahead for this football club.”

Cole replaces Neil Hunter, who is unable to commit himself to the club next season due to personal commitments.

Cole said: “I’m excited about the season ahead.  Sam and Kent Football United have got everything in place to have a fantastic and successful non-league football club and with my experience on the pitch and contacts off it we can now push this club forward.”

Kent Football United groundshare VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground in Crayford and have the facilities to play Ryman League football there.

When asked about the deal, MacNeil said: “All we can say is we have a very good relationship with them and the committee. 

He added: “We’re a young management team pushing this club to the next level. We want to achieve Ryman League football within four seasons.

“We’ve made great strides. We don’t want to hang around anymore.  We’ve got a great ground and relationship with VCD.  It’s time for us to push on higher up the ladder.”

With so many clubs within a close proximity of the ground, MacNeil welcomes the suggestion of playing on a different nights than everyone else, for example Monday night’s, to bring in the fans.

“It’s a good idea for sure,” he said.  “One idea we have is our youth set-up has over 100 kids who all have season tickets next season and club adults get in half price.  We want to bridge the gap between youth and seniors.”

Meanwhile, the club are also having an under 23 reserve side to work alongside the first team to develop young talented players next season. The club are welcoming any interested parties for the manager’s position to email kentelitefc@hotmail.co.uk.

Visit Kent Football United’s website: www.kentfootballunited.co.uk