Cray Wanderers boss Tony Russell: My record’s horrendous in Cups. I’ve think I’ve won one game in three years in every cup and it’s appalling!

CRAY WANDERERS manager Tony Russell says he needs to delve into the transfer market to sign a striker to convert their many chances.

The Wands moved into fifth-place in the Ryman League Division One North table following their 3-1 win over seventh-placed Aveley at Hayes Lane last night.

Russell, 36, admitted to feeling frustrated with his players for not converting their chances and he has been out looking at potential new signings.

“I think we need to bring one more and I was out on Monday night watching an under 21 games where they put out a couple of first team players,” revealed the former VCD Athletic manager.

“I chatted to the first team manager and I’m hoping to bring someone who I think is really special – a forward player.

“I can’t talk about anyone else’s players but we’re trying to bring one in who we think is pretty decent, who will suit us and I’m out on Wednesday and I’m looking at a player who I have admired for a little while so I’ve got a bit of a drive so I’ll go and have a look.

“I’d rather be patient and try to get the right ones in.  I haven’t signed anyone yet. I’m not one of those managers who signs lots of players.

“What we do, we have to do a lot of work on it or it counters balances everything that we’re trying to do so we are looking for the right one, who will add something special.”

Russell takes his side to Chatham Town on Saturday, aiming to improve on his own personal form in The FA Cup.

Chatham Town switched from Ryman One North to Ryman One South after a four-year absence and go into the First Qualifying Round tie at Maidstone Road sitting in fourteenth-place in the table, having won three and drawn one of their seven league games.

“I know Chatham, I’ve played against them.  Their manager (Kevin Watson) is my sons PE teacher, he’s a nice man, he’s a very nice man,” said Russell.

“It will be nice to go there. I think they’re doing very well this year, I’m glad to see as well.  It will be a hard game and we’ll go there and we’ll give it a go.

“To be fair, I’ve been guilty. I’ve kind of mixed it up in The FA Cup as I’ve tried to concentrate solely on the league and that can’t happen!

“My record’s horrendous in Cups. I’ve think I’ve won one game in three years in every cup and it’s appalling.

“Ben Payne’s back from suspension. James Duckworth is having his stitches out Saturday so it may be a little bit too soon, so it may be more Phoenix I suppose. 

“You never know, we may have somebody in by then.”

There is now a feel-good factor at Cray Wanderers and the club will be pushing for the title this season after pulling off The Great Escape under Tommy Warrilow last season, finishing the campaign with a club record ten wins on the bounce.

Russell revealed that he has the same playing budget as Warrilow, who kept the club in the division.

He said: “Contrary to the rubbish I’ve read on your site (a quote from Thamesmead Town manager Terry Spillane) about we’re chucking money like confetti – if we are, well we must be chucking money in a different direction because we’re not getting it!

“We’ve got the same that the club had last year, exactly the same, no more, no less.

“It’s no secret the club are really pushing to try to get their ground and everything is costing a fortune in searches. I didn’t realise how much it cost and they’re not doing that (a big budget).  Every bit of energy is (on the new ground) so there’s not massive money, so if me and Razor (Ray Powell) can do our bit to help out (winning prize money) long may it continue. I don’t think I’ll be seeing any of it!”

When asked about the club’s progress with their potential new ground at Flamingo Park, Russell revealed: “Everything’s in, all the reports are in. They’ve had a few meetings and they’ve been quite positive and we’re looking around Christmas time, I think, hopefully touch wood we’ll get the ok to get going, it’s exciting.

“It will be amazing. I’ve tried to not think about it if I’m honest. When I first came here I was really thinking about it a lot and I was getting too far ahead of myself and getting myself too worked up.

“I’ve always looked at the next three games and I think you have to be calm what we do from the back, otherwise you’d be a nervous wreck if you wanted it too much. You always have to shut a bit of yourself down.

“Coming here, I played here as well so I knew the people so it’s quite special.

“I remember the first game against Tilbury I stood out there in the dug-out and I remember thinking Jenko (Ian Jenkins) and Joe Francis are going to turn up in a minute and tell me to get out of the dug-out because it’s a surreal feeling to play for a club and to manage them as well.

“It will be a honour to lead them out at the new ground.”

Subject to FA Cup results, Phoenix Sports travel to Hayes Lane for a Ryman League Division One North fixture between the two Kent sides on Tuesday 15 September.

Phoenix Sports manager Steve O’Boyle gave Russell his first role as his assistant manager at Erith Town.

“I think Boylie and Phoenix have done an amazing job,” said Russell.

“Boylie gave me my chance in management, I went in as his number two and never really thought about that and I’ve got to thank him for it. It will be nice to see them.

“Last year we had a bit of a spat in a text but it was about nothing. It will be good to see him and shake his hand.  Hopefully we win! He’s done brilliant, he’s done superb, as have Phoenix, it’s such a good club. He’s a top man as well. I’m looking forward to it, it will be good.”

When asked about The Wands’ aspirations, Russell replied “Just to win the next three, that’s it! I haven’t seen everyone, I can’t judge it.

“I know where we’re at. We’re not exactly where I want us to be. We’re doing alright, we’re doing alright. We’re sort of six and a half out of ten at the moment.

“We’re getting better every week and everyone’s understanding a little bit more.

“We took apart a pretty good Aveley side and we did it against Harlow here as well and we done it against Sudbury, they’re all very good sides.

“It’s pleasing but we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We can play better. We can finish teams off earlier and defend better.  I think that’s the thing. Lots to be pleased about and lots to work on as well.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website:  www.cray-wanderers.com

Chatham Town  v  Cray Wanderers
The FA Cup First Qualifying Round (Sponsored by Emirates)
Saturday 12^th September 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR