Crockenhill unveil ground plans to return to Kent League

Thursday 02nd July 2009

CROCKENHILL’S new management team have unveiled ambitious plans to take the famous club back to where it should be - the Bulmers Cider Kent League, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Crocks were founder members of the Kent League back in 1968, lifting the title in 1982-83. However, in 1999, the club lost its senior status along with Swanley Furness and Corinthian, due to the lack of floodlights, and were forced to drop down to the Kent County League.

Crockenhill clinched the Kent County League title in season 2003-04, but once again, the continued lack of floodlighting proved to be the stumbling block and the Wested Meadow club have decayed in the lower reaches of non-league football ever since.

They now play in the Vandanel Kent County League Division One West and must clinch two promotions - and install floodlighting - if they are to return to relive their glory days.

Star striker Tony Cascarino played for Crockenhill before he was snapped up by Football League club Gillingham, before going on to play for the likes of Millwall and Ireland.

There were nineteen clubs in the Kent League the last time Crockenhill played at that level of football, but team numbers have dwindled as club’s clinch promotion upwards or fall by the wayside due to the lack of floodlighting.

Ramsgate, Thamesmead Town, Chatham Town, VCD Athletic, Whitstable Town and Cray Wanderers are now playing Ryman League football.

Deal Town, Greenwich Borough, Beckenham Town, Slade Green, Herne Bay, Lordswood, Faversham Town, Erith Town, Hythe United/Town and Tunbridge Wells are presently Kent League members.

Sheppey United and Canterbury City are playing at Kent County League level after re-forming.

But Crockenhiil’s new management team, appointed last week, have the burning desire to clinch two promotions to bring Kent League football back to the club.

Dave Curtis, 46, the club’s last title-winning manager has returned to the club, replacing veteran John Adams, and the team will be coached by Ray Williams and Damien Hopkins.

Goalkeeper Hopkins, 27, has previously played for Chatham Town, Lordswood and Snodland, and the trio are relishing the opportunity to bring the glory days back to the club.

“We were appointed last week and we had a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the club’s future,” Hopkins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

And Hopkins has revealed some exciting news for the club.

“Basically, Crockenhill are going to buy the ground,” he said. “As soon as it’s bought, which we’re told will be very, very soon, the floodlights will be going up.

“The club want us to get them into the Kent League - and that is where we want to go!

“After our meeting we came away very excited at the prospect of making Crockenhill a force. Talks are ongoing with players, quality players, who know the score and want to be part of our master plan.

“I've personally have spoken to fifteen players, and all but three have played Kent League or above. Of the other three, one was one of the County League’s overall top scorers last season.

“Two players we’re talking to had squad numbers at Millwall a couple of years ago, so that’s the kind of player we’re after.

“If we get six or seven of the guys that we’re talking to, we’ll be a force. To get them all would be amazing, but some of them have offers on the table from Ryman League sides, who are paying good money.

“Realistically, we know we can’t compete with them, but we will - eventually!”

The Crocks report back to pre-season training at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, next Tuesday, 7th July, at 7:30pm and all players are welcome to attend.

“We are very ambitious,” said Hopkins. “We know Crockenhill has the potential to be a big club in the community. Yes, the ground needs a bit of tender loving care, but we’re prepared to give that.”

And Hopkins will utilise his talents both on the pitch and off it.

“I personally will be going in to have a look at the electrics at the ground, as most people associate Crockenhill with getting a shock off the showers,” he said.

“Crockenhill should be a Kent League side. With the floodlights looking almost a certainty, we will be doing everything we can to deliver Kent League football to Crockenhill Football Club.

“Dave, Ray and I wouldn’t be here if we weren’t confident we could do the job. Dave is an excellent motivator, has been in football a long time and knows what he’s talking about.

“Ray is an excellent and very well respected coach and I’m sure I’ll bring something to the party.

“We will be successful, there are good times ahead for the club and hopefully we can get through people through the gates and give Crockenhill the success they deserve.”

To attend pre-season training at the club, telephone Damien Hopkins on 07592 577 521 - please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Visit Crockenhill’s website: www.crockenhillfc.co.uk