Edwards remains positive over Fleet's future

Thursday 22nd October 2009

EBBSFLEET UNITED vice-chairman Roly Edwards insists Liam Daish is the man to guide the club towards Blue Square Premier safety, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet are enduring their worst campaign under Hampshire based Daish, and have the worst playing record of all 24 clubs in the Blue Square Premier, with a record of one win (and that was away from home) and six draws from their 17 league games and have only scored eight goals in the league all season.

However, Mr Edwards, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, says a win at Bromley in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, will boost confidence levels for the young side.

But it won’t be easy, as Mark Goldberg’s side have climbed up to eighth place in the division below (Blue Square South) and have only suffered defeat twice in their last eleven league and cup games.

“This will be a very tough match for us, there is no doubt about that,” warned Mr Edwards.

“We will need to be at our best to achieve any kind of result.

“We have played reasonably well in recent matches without too much luck. We have dominate a large percentage of games but have been punished for the odd defensive mistake.

“We are creating lots of opportunities in games but not converting the chances and so confidence in front of goal is low.

“We feel that our luck will change very soon and hope that the pressure will be lifted in this one-off cup game and that the players will perform without fear and perform to a level that will bring its reward.”

Reflecting on the club’s miserable league campaign, Mr Edwards insists Daish is the man to lead the club through the rest of the season.

“It’s been rather predictable really, we knew that with our projected budget that life would be tough for us this season,” admitted Mr Edwards.

“Our aim has to be to maintain our league status this year, consolidate and hopefully push forward again next season.

“We are confident that a couple of wins will bring confidence to our young team and that we will be in this division for sure next season.”

The rewards for winning the Hayes Lane clash is evident; £12,500 in FA prize money is up for grabs and a potential first round clash against giants Leeds United is within touching distance.

“Every club would like a cup run,” adds the Fleet stalwart. “The financial aspect is obviously very important to all non-league clubs and we all dream of that once in a life time big match. There is one every season and there is no reason why this year it can’t be us!”

The club’s financial situation has hit the headlines this week, with reports that the club face a deficit of more than £130,000 this season and is set to slip into the red by the end of the year.

“Our club is totally transparent and everyone is aware of the financial deficit we face in the near year,” said Mr Edwards.

“This is currently being addressed and I am confident that we will overcome this hurdle without too many problems very soon.

“The (Myfootballclub) model lends itself to raising large amounts of cash in very quick time. This happened recently when over £290,000 was raised for the potential purchase of Stonebridge Road.

“I see no reason why a similar thing cannot happen again and I sincerely believe it will be.”

With 46 league games, there is still plenty of time for the Fleet to climb out of their current predicament on the pitch and money must be made available by it’s owners to sign established, experienced players.

“We knew that our situation would be very difficult,” explained Mr Edwards. “We are in a big league and that demands high quality, experienced players.

“We know what we are up against and we will battle all the way to ensure we stay in this league - this has to be considered a successful season for us this year.

“All clubs are cyclical, we have had a really successful period and we must battle through a slightly less successful period - that is life in football.

“There are enough experienced and professional people at the club to know very well what is required to get us through this.

“In Liam Daish we have one of the best and most committed managers in non-league - I believe he will undoubtedly manage in the Football League one day.”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Bromley v Ebbsfleet United

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Fourth Qualifying Round

Saturday 24th October 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF