We have a difficult start with a home game against Fisher, who had an outstanding last season and I am sure they will make things very difficult for us. They’re a good side and it will be a test for us, says Deal Town boss Derek Hares

DEAL TOWN manager Derek Hares says the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division is getting stronger every season.

The Hoops finished in eleventh-place last season and kick-off their campaign against third-placed finishers Fisher on Saturday.

The Rotherhithe based side are under new management in Allan Fenn and he has had to start from scratch as the Fisher squad of last season have all parted ways since Dean Harrison's departure.

“Saturday is of course the opening day of the season and it’s always an exciting day with everyone looking to get off to a good start,” said Hares.

“We have a difficult start with a home game against Fisher, who had an outstanding last season and I am sure they will make things very difficult for us.  They’re a good side and it will be a test for us.

“We then go to Chatham on Tuesday, who I am sure will be one of the favourites to win the league this time.

“I feel that we have improved the squad this time, while keeping the majority of last years’ players and adding more experience with players’ that have played at a higher level.

“Hopefully this will help us to continue the improvement that we have made over the last couple of seasons.

“The League, in my opinion, is getting stronger year on year, so it becomes more difficult to keep that improvement going forward but I am confident that we can do that and that the team and the club behind the scenes are going in the right direction.”

Visit Deal Town’s website: www.dealtownfc.co.uk

Deal Town  v  Fisher
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonard’s Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU