Cosgrove plays down his side's title hopes

CHRIS COSGROVE has learnt his lessons from last season and has played down his side’s chances of winning the Kent League title, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Erith & Belvedere joint-manager made some bold statements this time last year but came unstuck as his side finished a disappointing seventh place in the Kent League table.

But despite defeating Ryman Premier League side Maidstone United 2-1 at Park View Road in last night’s friendly, Cosgrove is keeping a low profile.

“I think my bold statements made me full on my face a bit and I’m not going down that line again,” Cosgrove told www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“I was a bit bold last year (because of) the players I had last year.

“Obviously this year I know it’s a very strong league and some very strong teams in it. We’re probably one of ten that have got a chance of winning it but you just yourself after tonight’s performance how we’re going to do.”

The Deres have lost Adrian Deane to Blue Square South outfit Braintree Town, Mark Nougher to Ryman Premier League side Canvey Island and strikers Nick Smith and Steve White have opted to a move to Ryman League Division One North newcomers Thamesmead Town.

And Cosgrove said: “A lot of them have gone to higher levels unfortunately. It’s hard to stop it but if we’re grooming players to go to higher levels, something’s going right, so good luck to them.

“You just can’t compete sometimes with the money these higher level clubs throw out.

“We’ve got quality players and hopefully we can push these players to a higher level, maybe with us, you never know.”

Cosgrove and Paul Gorman are preparing their side ahead of their home Kent League opener against local rivals Slade Green on Saturday, 9^th August.

On Saturday, the Deres travel to Vandanel Kent County League minnows Bridon Ropes before welcoming Ryman Premier League side Margate to Park View Road next Tuesday.

“We’ve got a lot of hard games at home obviously, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Margate and Dagenham & Redbridge, all teams above us, which is very hard,” explained Cosgrove.

“So we’ve pulled in a confidence booster, Bridon Ropes, as winning breads confidence.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to (beat Maidstone United), I expected it to be a big, hard tussle, which it was but we’ve got a result so I was looking at Saturday (at Bridon Ropes) to get a result.”

Looking ahead to the visit of Barry Ashby’s Margate, Cosgrove added: “Margate, another tough game. We’ll give it our best. They’re in a transition, they’ve got a new manager, they’ve got new players, lets see.

“Another good test for us. If we play like we did tonight (against Maidstone United), we’ll be a match for anybody. Bring them on, sort of thing. Lets see how we go.”

But Cosgrove is saving that brashness for pre-season friendlies, and treating their Kent League rivals with a bit more respect.

“Not as easy as it looks,” he said of their opening day showdown with Slade Green. “On paper it’s a tricky one, it’s a tricky one.

“I’ve heard they’ve done the right things in the camp this year. Slade Green have brought some new players in and we’re not going to take them lightly. I’d take a 1-0 win now.”

And he added: “What have I learnt from last season? Never take anything for granted. Never get over confident in life because life’s got a bad habit of coming and kicking you up the backside.

“I thought I had a great squad last year and I got over confident.

“Things didn’t go our way and the wheel feel off but this year we’re trying to be a bit more quiet, jog along, let people judge us instead of me judging them.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk