Billericay force Ryman League into hasty switch

Thursday 13th August 2009

CRAY WANDERERS have been forced into switching their home game against Billericay Town - due to pressure put on the Ryman League by the chairman of the Essex club, writes Stephen McCartney.

When the Ryman Premier League fixtures were first published in July, the fixture was scheduled for Sunday, 23rd August at Hayes Lane, Bromley.

But Billericay had other ideas and their chairman Steve Kent issued a statement on www.billericaytownfc.co.uk and insisted that his club were not prepared to play Ian Jenkins’ men on a Sunday.

Cray Wanderers will now have to play the fixture at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium on FRIDAY, 21st August (7:45pm).

“When we received the fixture list it soon became apparent that Cray Wanderers v Billericay Town was the only scheduled Sunday fixture which was followed with a Tuesday game,” bemoaned Mr Kent.

“We felt this was unfair and it disadvantaged both clubs. We contacted the League and Cray, and made them aware that we were not happy with the fixture.

“The problem wasn’t the single day between fixtures, (it’s not uncommon to play Saturday – Monday) it was that we missed the only real rest day, Sunday. The players of this fixture were expected to play a competitive game Sunday, work Monday and Tuesday and play again Tuesday night, something no other clubs were required to do.

“Because this is a scheduled Saturday fixture (Cray ground share at Bromley and Bromley’s fixtures have priority) the League allows either club the opportunity to insist on a Saturday fixture at the expense of the home side.

“Once we had fully digested the fixture list, a reversal of the fixture seemed a sensible solution because: Although the reverse would still result in a Sunday Game, there is NO scheduled midweek game. Also by reversing the fixture it meant no expense to Cray.

“This solution was agreeable to both clubs and it was put to the league, who refused to allow it. I contacted the League Chairman and asked that they reconsider, the matter was looked at again and the decision of not allowing a reversal stood.

“We are sympathetic to Cray, and fully understand that they are not happy with the extra cost involved. But we had a decision to make; do we do what’s best for Cray or what’s best for Billericay? We chose to do what we believe is best for us and insisted that we do not play on the Sunday.

“I would like to make it clear that our decision was not gamesmanship, it was about the Sunday – Tuesday fixtures, it would have been the same outcome regardless of the opposition.

“The League did ask if we would consider moving our Tuesday game to Wednesday, but we didn’t see that as a viable option as this would have meant that we still miss Sundays rest day and also hamper Thursday’s preparation for the following Saturday’s game.”

Cray Wanderers spokesman Martin Hodson was naturally cheesed off by Billericay’s antics.

He said: “Billericay have now refused to play on the Sunday afternoon as they (like us) have a game on the Tuesday night.

“The League have offered to move their game to the Wednesday night but they have turned this offer down as it messes up their training routine.

“Unfortunately Bromley have a large function booked for the Friday night so we cannot move it forward.

Mr Hodson, who contacted a couple of clubs about a hastily re-arranged venue, added: “As you will appreciate no one within the club is happy about this but at the same time would like to thank Dartford for their help.”

The Wands hope as many Darts fans will attend the Friday night game, considering the link between the two Kent clubs - Dartford shared Cray’s traditional Sidcup base at Oxford Road during their first season in the Kent League following the club’s reformation.

Jenkins men kick-off their inaugural Ryman Premier League game at fellow promoted side Aveley on Saturday and on Tuesday night welcome Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels. This game will be held at Hayes Lane, Bromley.

The games against Tonbridge Angels and Billericay Town will be covered LIVE by www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Visit Cray Wanderer’s website: www.craywands.co.uk

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Aveley v Cray Wanderers

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Mill Field, Mill Road, Aveley, Essex RM15 4SJ