Bearsted chairman Duncan Andrews: It’s very pleasing that we have been able to make the transition into a higher level of football and finish in a respectable position

BEARSTED chairman Duncan Andrews says he is pleased that the club have been able to make the transition into a higher level of football and finish in a respectable league position.

Bearsted finished their debut season in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division in 12^th place, having collected 47 points from their 38 league games.

Kevin Stevens’ side remained unbeaten in their final five games with four wins and a draw and concluding their campaign with a 3-2 win at Beckenham Town on 29 April.

The Bears’ first season in this division has been measured a success, with a fantastic collective effort by the players, management and committee to step up into the highest level in the club’s history and retain its current status for next season.

On the pitch, competing against well-established clubs at this level, some with greater resources, has proved a challenge that the players’ and management have risen to throughout the season, registering 14 wins and taking maximum points from eventual League champions Ashford United.

Off the pitch, the clubhouse has been thriving on match days thanks to improved catering facilities and a licenced bar, generating important additional income to help cover running costs, whilst further improvements have been made to the car park, changing rooms and playing surface.

Manager Stevens told www.bearstedfc.co.uk: “Our first season at this level has been tough but has been one that I and everyone at the club have enjoyed and learnt a lot from, so we are keen to build on it for next season.  Week in and well out the players have worked really hard and finishing 12^th is well deserved.”

Chairman Mr Andrews added: “It’s very pleasing that we have been able to make the transition into a higher level of football and finish in a respectable position and with largely the same core of players that earned promotion last season, many of whom have been with the club for several years.

“Particularly pleasing for the club has been the introduction into the first team fold of home grown players from our under 18 side, evidencing that our focus on developing young talent is working and something we are continuing to build on with the entering of new teams at under 13 and 14 level into the Kent Youth League next season.

“Looking ahead to next season, the club is also extremely proud and excited to be competing in The FA Cup for the first time in its history.  We will be hoping for a home draw in the Extra/Preliminary Round to draw in extra interest and support from local fans and make it a special occasion, whilst any progress will also bring a financial benefit in the form of prize money and additional sponsorship.”

Meanwhile, in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division, Meridian VP have appointed Canturk Yanpar as their new manager.  The former Forest Hill Park manager has replaced Joe Diggins and James Brown in the hot-seat at the Charlton based outfit.

Visit Bearsted’s website: www.bearstedfc.co.uk