Kentish Football 
Croydon target promotion back into the Ryman League within two years - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
The 17-year-old full-back is on a dual registration with Ryman League Division One South outfit Maidstone United, and Mead manager Keith McMahon has high hopes for him.
“To be fair, we need a fresh face, a little bit of excitement as well and experience of playing at the league above,” McMahon said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the big game at Bayliss Avenue.
“He fits into what we are looking (for) at the club, especially with his age and the way he plays football, so yes, it’s a very good signing.”
McMahon, meanwhile, is searching for a new first team coach as Anthony Potts is expected to join Slade Green as a player.
“Anthony has been absolutely brilliant for us all year and wants to play again,” said McMahon.
“He’s 33, thinks he’s got a year or so and expressed his interest in playing again and (is expected to sign) for Slade Green.
“It’s a big loss for us, it’s like losing one of my big players to be honest but we wish him all the best.”
After putting in a disappointing performance during their 2-0 defeat at Whitstable Town last weekend, McMahon is confident that his side will bounce back against third placed side Croydon tomorrow.
“It’s a tough game for us but it’s a game I’m looking forward to especially after last week,” he said.
“We played Tooting in the week and bounced back very well. We played very well even though we lost.
“It’s a good game, Croydon are unbeaten in fourteen (games) I think, but we’re at home.
“We played them earlier in the season, drew 1-1 down there and we should have won but both teams have improved since then.
“It’s a game I’m looking forward to and a game I’m confident in winning.”
McMahon added: “It’s a big game to get us back on track as the season’s not over yet.
”I was disappointed with the way we played at Whitstable but on Tuesday night I said the result didn’t matter, it was the performance that did.
“But every team goes through a blip. We’ve lost two games on the spin and people think we’re in a crisis.
“If Croydon beat us they will have to play extremely well. I’m looking for a response, we’ve lost two games on the spin and we’re in a very good position.
“I’m very confident we’ll get three points tomorrow just because of the buzz in the changing room.
Striker Rikki Cable and defender Dean Kearley have both served their suspensions and are both available tomorrow.
Robbie Tarrant (groin), Pedro Knight (illness) have also recovered to be in the squad.
Dickson Gill, meanwhile, Croydon’s manager-chairman, has targeted a return to Ryman League football within two years.
The Trams go into the Bayliss Avenue clash in third place in the Kent League table – just one point behind the Mead.The South Norwood outfit have won their last eight games during a 14 game unbeaten run.
“I think we’ve got as much chance as them to win the game,” the chairman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.
“We drew 1-1 with ten-men last time we played them at our place so if we can take three points off them we’re (going) in the right direction.
“Ryman One, yes. I reckon another two years so if we can get out this year, I’ll be happy with that.
“I think we’ve got a chance (of winning the Kent League), it all depends on what Whitstable do.”
Influential midfielder Lee Kirby (hamstring) will undergo a fitness test before the game and Gill hopes the former Horsham star is fit for the vital clash.
He said: “If he’s not playing it will be a massive blow for us. Lee has been one of our better midfield players but if he’s not fit then Timmy Murdoch will take his place.”
With central defender Oliver Young out suspended, Gill feels Thamesmead could capitalise on this tomorrow.
“Oliver is suspended for one game so if Thamesmead want to beat us then that’s their best chance there going to get.
“I think both my centre halves are good as our defensive record speaks for itself. (Having conceded 13 goals) I’d like to think we’ve got the best defence in the league.”
But Gill has versatile players that can slot into any unfamiliar positions on the pitch.
An example of this is midfielder Ray Freeman, who will slot in as an emergency centre half during Young’s absence.
Visit club websites:
www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk
www.thelasttramhome.cjb.net
Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 20th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd