28thjune05

Tuesday 28th June 2005

Carroll drops Wakeling a bombshell
EXCLUSIVE

Bromley report back to pre-season training on Thursday night with two or three new faces trying to impress the management team of George Wakeling and Billy Smith, writes Stephen McCartney.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Wakeling revealed: "We've got a lad coming down from Gillingham and a player whose been playing Conference South football."

"Two or three new lads want to come along - we'll assess it during the pre-season."

Wakeling, however, is keeping everything top secret but has confidence in his current squad to maintain their fitness levels as they prepare for life in the Ryman Premier League.

"I don't need to tell them anything," he said.

"My players are experienced and they know they have to get themselves fit.

"Some have played at a higher level and they will physically and mentally prepare themselves - so let them get on with it.

"We do, however, demand 100% in training and in games."

Looking ahead to their campaign at the higher level, the former Ashford Town and Hastings boss added: "Yes I think we will do quite well actually.

"I know the teams that were in the play-off's last season will be up there.

"Billericay and a couple others are full-time and some have a healthy wage bill.

"Although it will be a hard season, I know we can compete with them.

"We've been given a budget, which is manageable, and we'll get on with it."

The pitfulls of non-league football are the working committments of players.

Star midfielder, Danny Carroll, however, who followed Wakeling from Carshalton Athletic over the Christmas period, may not be around as much as Wakeling, and the Hayes Lane faithful would like.

"The only problem I have is Danny, whose been given promotion at work so it may be possible he won't be available for the start of the season - but we aren't sure yet," Wakeling revealed.

Carroll, 28, who first played for the club as a teenager, and played for the likes of Stevenage Borough, Farnborough Town and Crawley Town, has been appointed Head of Sport at the school he works at.

"It looks doubtful that he won't play on a regular basis," said Wakeling, now in his second spell at Hayes Lane.

Carroll - a firm favourite with the fans - was instrumental on the team's rise up the Ryman division one table last season and will be a big loss to the team.

"Obviously we'll be looking to strengthen the squad - when a player like that goes, you have to fill it in.

"These things happen and you have to get on with it."

Danny Carroll pictured by www.avenellphotos.com