Charlton Athletic seal move to Bayliss Avenue

CHARLTON ATHLETIC’S women’s team will play their home games this season at Bayliss Avenue, the home of Ryman League side Thamesmead Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The ground is based nearer the heart of Charlton’s supporting territory and is currently being renovated in partnership with Charlton Athletic.

In a statement issued to www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk, Addicks technical director Paul Mortimer is delighted with the move, saying: “(The ground) has everything that we need and I am really looking forward to (moving there).
 
“I had never been there before (last Sunday) so didn’t know what to expect.  For me, the most important thing is the pitch, which looks absolutely fantastic.
 
“It is a work in progress, they have this new bit of stadium and clubhouse they are building but that is not a problem for us.”
 
Furthermore, the move is also a positive step in Charlton’s bid to attract more supporters to watch the team in their bid to gain promotion into the Premier League National Division.
 
Mortimer added: “It is not too far away, it is in a great catchment area for us in terms of getting people through the door to come and watch.”
 
Mead manager Keith McMahon was equally thrilled, saying: “We have Sporting Club Thamesmead being built at the moment and we are building up a good partnership with Charlton.”
 
The link with Charlton will also be a golden opportunity for the club to progress their ladies’ team.  “It is good for the club because it will highlight ladies football within Thamesmead as well,” McMahon added.
 
“We have an under 16 ladies side and Paul is keen to have a friendly with them which will be great for the progression of our ladies team and they can see what they aspire to.”
 
Agreeing with McMahon, Mortimer added: “I know they have girl’s sides and I am looking to play against them so we can create as many positive links as possible.”
 
Mortimer was sad to be leaving Erith Stadium after just a year but admitted the switch had to be done for the benefit of the players and supporters.
 
“I can’t knock Erith but there were things that weren’t quite right about it.  It is always difficult when you have a pitch with a running track around it because everything is so far away,” he explained.
 
“The good thing about Thamesmead is that we can now get some centre of excellence girls down to be ball-girls and mascots.  Before we couldn’t do that because none of them lived in the area, which is where Thamesmead will help us.”

Meanwhile, McMahon has confirmed the appointment of Martin Down as the club’s new under 18 manager.
 
Initially manager of Sevenoaks Town’s reserve side in the Kent League, Down has more recently held similar posts at Kent County League club's Bridon Ropes and Cray Valley. 

McMahon added: “A good addition to my management team.  Martin is both very enthusiastic and knows his football.”

The club are on the look out for new youth team players and Martin can be contacted by email – martin.down@wolseley.co.uk

Thamesmead Town’s first team, meanwhile, continue with their pre-season programme tonight, when Dulwich Hamlet visit Bayliss Avenue (7:45pm).

Two goals from summer signing, striker Alex Tiesse sealed an impressive 2-1 home win over Whitstable Town at the weekend.

Article courtesy of www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk