Collins categorically denies Sevenoaks’ speculation

Thursday 30th July 2009

MICKY COLLINS has laughed off internet speculation that claimed that he and Julian Leigh have taken over the managerial reigns at Kent League side Sevenoaks Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The pair had been in charge of the reserve side at neighbouring Ryman Premier League outfit Tonbridge Angels up until the end of last season, and Leigh has previously managed the Oaks.

But Collins rubbished these claims and insisted that Simon Jones is still in charge of Sevenoaks Town, although the Greatness Park outfit have appointed a new assistant in Darrell Queeley.

Hadlow based Collins, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight said, “Not another club that I’ve been lined with! It’s driving me mad! It’s about the sixth one this summer!

“You know what, people just make things up mate, absolutely make things up!

“The only link there is, is possibly that two of our players that we had (at Tonbridge Angels) last year have actually gone down and signed for them.

“It’s a load of old tosh mate! I can categorically say to you mate that it’s not true!

Collins added: “I can see the link now actually thinking about it! I can see why they would think (we’re down there) because I think Micky Smith’s signed for them and Lee De Martelaere, who was in our reserves last year. So if they’ve both signed, I know Martin Grant, the goalkeeper, had a game for them last night and they’ve put two and two together and thought maybe our players are turning up there, maybe we’re there. That’s definitely not the case!”

Speaking about his own future in the game, Collins added, “Something will come up somewhere. I think Jules (Leigh) is going to go down and do some goalkeeper coaching down at Otford for the time being.

“I’ve just flown back from Spain yesterday. I’ve been away in Spain for ages and to be honest I’m probably back for a week and then I’ll fly back over again.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of clubs, there’s a couple of thing’s I’ve looked at which haven’t worked out and hasn’t gone the right way.

“I will pick the right thing that’s right for me at the right time. I won’t be playing, that’s for sure!

Queeley, meanwhile, the club’s new assistant manager, was pleased with his side’s performance at Folkestone Invicta last weekend.

“We did really well,” he said of the 2-1 defeat at Cheriton Road. “But we went a goal down after half-an-hour after a mistake by our ‘keeper Barry Andrews.

“We created five or six good chances,” he told www.sevenoakstownfc.org. “It was a good game, we passed the ball really well.”

But despite his earlier mistake, Andrews kept Invicta’s players at bay, that was until a late winner.

“He pulled off some fine saves,” said Queeley, who added, “we had one or two one-on-ones at the other end ourselves.

“We missed a few other chances, through our decision making, but deserved to score when Billy Shinners scored following a through ball from Micky Smith.”

Meanwhile, Ashley Robinson played 15 minutes against Neil Cugley’s men.

“He was at Bromley last season, but is set to play in Holland. He will be with us for the rest of pre-season,” added Queeley.

Sevenoaks complete their pre-season preparations when they face Vandanel Kent County League sides Orpington (Saturday) and Tonbridge Invicta (4 August).

Visit Sevenoaks Town’s website: www.sevenoakstownfc.org