What we want to do is develop our own players and younger players to give them the playing opportunities to progress and enjoy themselves, says Erith & Belvedere co-owner Paul Springett

ERITH & BELVEDERE co-owner Paul Springett says newly-appointed manager Derek Oldfield will be working without a playing budget this season.

The club kick-off their new campaign with a trip to Ashford to take on FA Cup debutants Kennington next Tuesday 1 September (19:45).

Dan Scorer’s side were leading the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table at the time of the coronavirus health pandemic that struck in March, while the Deres were struggling at the foot of the Premier Division table.

“It should be that time of the year where football fans are already looking at the league tables and sitting in pubs with friends over a beer speculating over who is going to win the league and who the best players are,” said Springett.

“However, Covid-19 has taken its toll on the world, but thankfully football is slowly returning with the pre-season games now finished and the season due to start in a week’s time so those conversations can start again.

“I speak on behalf of everyone at Erith & Belvedere FC in saying how excited we are ahead of the new season, starting with our FA Cup fixture away from home against FA Cup Debutants Kennington FC and then welcoming Chatham Town to our ground on 5 September in our league campaign season opener.

“The club is growing and developing and we have a few additional teams and it demonstrates the club is progressing in the right way. It looks really good with both adult teams recruitment creating a pathway and the young Deres creating a positive foundation for the future of the club.

“I was fortunate to watch the first team and the youth teams play last week and both teams played an attractive style of football, something I know the coaches have been working hard on.

“Tonight I turn my attention to the reserves where I am actually putting my boots back on for the night to assist where I can and I will pay my subs!

“Hopefully, we are heading into the new season with great confidence and optimism and we are so excited to see where we are at the end of the season.

“I think it’s no secret we are operating with no playing budget so to see a side moving forward with great spirit and togetherness on and off the field is great to see and makes you feel humble and proud.

“So much is said for playing budgets and non-league football that sometimes it’s hard to see that the honesty and integrity is still present. It shows what we mainly know anyway and that is people have a love for the game and it isn’t just about money.

“What we want to do is develop our own players and younger players to give them the playing opportunities to progress and enjoy themselves and to support the technical, tactical, physical, mental side of their development.

“It would be nice to have another Alfie May (who played for Erith & Belvedere in 2014), another Jamie Vardy, another Chris Smalling (ex Maidstone United) work his way through our club and onto bigger things.

“Del and his coaching staff must all take enormous credit for putting together an exciting squad and creating playing opportunities for youngsters in what we feel is a growing project in good surroundings.

“We had no fewer than 40 applicants when the managers job became available but we hand-picked Del because of his passion for the game, his coaching and his philosophy.

“Our teams will continue to go from strength to strength with good people who encourage the children, encourage one another in the adult teams and to enjoy playing football.

"Good luck to all our teams for the season ahead, and I hope to catch as many games as I can.”

Erith & Belvedere suffered an 8-1 home defeat to Chatham Town when the two sides last met at Park View Road on 25 February.

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.clubbuzz.co.uk