Chatham are a top side but we are pleased to start at home and we will be looking to cause an upset, says Deal Town coach Steve King

DEAL TOWN head coach Steve King says he wants his side to cause an upset on the opening day of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division on Saturday.
 

Derek Hares’ men welcome Chatham Town to the Charles Sports Ground, a side that were leading the table at the time that the 2020-21 campaign was curtailed due to the Coronavirus health pandemic.

Chatham Town lost the services of their manager Scott Lindsey last Wednesday after accepting a full-time job to become assistant manager at League Two side Swindon Town.

Chatham Town’s director of football Carl Laraman and chairman Kevin Hake are in charge of team affairs going into the start of the 2021-22 season.

“Obviously, it’s a really tough start but it is a game we are looking forward to,” said King.

“Chatham are a top side and I have no doubt they would have been promoted last season if Covid hadn’t hit.  They have an excellent squad but we are pleased to start at home and having had a good pre-season we will be looking to cause an upset on the day.

“We obviously know Chatham well and their style of play is well known throughout the league.  They play an excellent brand of football and have lots of dangerous players who are all proven at this level and above.”

Deal Town attracted a crowd of 680 for the visit of National League side Dover Athletic last Tuesday night, which saw Andy Hessenthaler’s side come away with a 3-0 win.

“It was great to see the clubs biggest crowd for over 20 years last week and we look forward to welcome both familiar faces and some new faces to the Charles Ground this season," said King.

“Thanks to our supporters and volunteers at the club that have continued to support the club during these difficult times."

Deal Town reached the Third Round of the FA Vase last season, losing 4-1 at home to eventual finalists Binfield on 10 April 2021 and King is keen for his side to replicate their Vase exploits into the bread and butter of league football.

“We are looking to continue the development at the club that has taken place over the last few years,” said King.

“We have proven in the FA Vase that we can compete with top sides at this level on our day and this year we will strive for that level of consistency in our league performances.

“Pre-season has gone well and we have a settled group of loyal players that are all keen to help the club progress further.

“Despite the issues caused by the pandemic the board have done a great job to keep the club stable and everyone at the club is looking forward to this season.

“We have been hit quite badly by players being forced to isolate due to Covid-19 and we are also carrying a few injuries at the moment but the players will be assessed this week and although we will not be at full strength we are looking forward to the game.”

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

Deal Town  v  Chatham Town
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 31 July 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU