16thmay05

Chino wants stability

WAYNE BALDACHINO is relishing the chance to assist new Erith & Belvedere manager Mick Acland in the Kent League next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Acland returns to the Deres having previously spent seven years in charge of the club before leaving  in November 2003 when he was dismissed following a string of poor results.

Baldachino, however, has been promoted from within, having guided the club's reserve side to back-to-back Kent League division one titles piping Maidstone United's second string to the championship on both occassions.

Acland and "Chino" replace former Dartford duo Steve Robinson and Grant Spelling who left the Park View Road outfit last week.

Their position is on a caretaker basis for the present time with a view to making the appointment permanent in the future.

Baldachino said: "Being part of the first team set up next season will be a big challenge for me personally but one I am looking forward to.

"It is a priority for myself and Mick to bring stability to the club and ensure we turn around the negative trend that has been with us for the past two seasons.

"With lots of hard work, commitment and a good attitude I have no doubt that things will certainly be much brighter during 2005-2006."

The Deres have finished in the bottom two of the Southern League for the past two seasons but this time were relegated into the Kent League, where they replace Ramsgate who have been promoted into the Ryman League first division.