A top half finish would be acceptable, says new Rusthall boss Paul McDonagh

PAUL McDONAGH says he cannot wait to get started in his new role as the manager of Kent Invicta League side Rusthall.



The 39-year-old was appointed the club’s new manager last Thursday evening after spending a season coaching under Keith McMahon and helping Thamesmead Town to finish in tenth place in the Ryman League Division One North table.

McDonagh says he is happy to drop down two divisions to inspire the Jockey Farm outfit on to better things.

Rusthall, who are located in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, finished in the bottom six of the inaugural Kent Invicta League campaign.

“I have until last season been at football clubs as a manager and although I enjoyed the coaching at Thamesmead and getting experience in the FA Cup etc, I found that during match days I didn’t have enough input and knew that it was time to get back in as a first team manager,” said the former Bearsted boss.

“I have been a manager and coach for ten years now and have slowly worked my way up the non-league pyramid.

“This experience has helped me with lots of aspects of managing and coaching, from dealing with players from different playing backgrounds to working out what is needed to build a team that enjoys their time playing.

“I believe with good organisation and coaching and with a little time, any team will get better and get good results and I will bring this with me to Rusthall.

“Obviously, my coaching qualifications will help. I do not stop going on coaching courses and studying the game.  This year I have completed the FA talent ID scouting course with Gillingham Football Club and the new FA youth coaching level one and two.”

McDonagh now begins the job of re-building the squad as he bids for an improvement on last season.

The Sevenoaks based boss said: “I have spoken to most of last years’ squad and they are looking forward to pre-season.

“I am looking at a number of new players for next season and have made a few enquiries.

“Two players that I am interested in are Nathan Faulks, who played for Maidstone United’s reserve side last season.  He is a young forward I have been watching for years now and I am trying to get in contact with the Kent County League’s top scorer, Anthony Russell, of Malgo.

“I have not seen him play, but he must have something about him to score 37 times in 37 games.  I don’t want to make any moves as of yet, especially as I have not seen my squad and I am a believer in giving players a chance to shine.

“We will be starting pre-season training a week early (Monday, 27 June at Jockey Farm, Nellington Road), as I need to see the players on the pitch.  I like to get the fitness levels high but also feel the need to have the ball involved as much as possible.  The players enjoy working hard if there is a ball involved.”

When asked what the club’s ambitions are in the next couple of years, McDonagh replied, “As of next season it is hard to say considering I have not met the lads yet.  I would be looking for an improved position from last season and a top half finish would be acceptable.

“The club have aspirations towards the Kent League and beyond.  We are improving the ground with an eye on the divisions above and to be in a position to challenge for promotion in season 2013-14.”

But McDonagh says he is clued up on the Kent Invicta League sides, having managed Bearsted before switching to Bayliss Avenue and he regularly goes out to watch games.

He said: “I know most of the teams and Leagues in Kent as I am always watching games when possible.  I obviously know Bearsted from my time there.  I have come across most of the other teams from my time with Bearsted and Chipstead in the Kent County League.  I know what is needed to compete in the Invicta League and most of the other leagues.”

And McDonagh is searching for ideal people to form his management team.

He said:  “I cannot wait to get started and I am looking forward to getting my management team together.  I am looking for an assistant manager.  If there is a coach, manager or player with good playing experience of the Kent County and above or coaching qualifications, looking to get into coaching and managing then please contact the club via the club website.”

Meanwhile, Rusthall have confirmed that they have prised away Darrell Cousins from their Kent League neighbours Tunbridge Wells to manage their reserve side next season.

Visit Rusthall’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/rusthallfootballclub

Article published:  12:10 – Saturday 26 May 2012