Finishing mid-table is not good enough, says Deres' boss Radbourne

Wednesday 05th August 2009

RICHIE RADBOURNE, the new joint-manager of Erith & Belvedere, says another midtable finish in the Bulmers Cider Kent League is unacceptable, writes Stephen McCartney.

Radbourne takes charge of his first match (alongside Paul Gorman) at much-fancied Hythe Town at Reachfields Stadium on Saturday, knowing that supporters of the underachieving Park View Road club are fed up with the club’s lack of ambition on the pitch.

The Deres completed their campaign in eighth place in the table - 17 points adrift of promoted champions, local rivals, VCD Athletic, and Radbourne knows what he and Gorman require to make the new season a success.

Radbourne, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, says another season like that is not good enough and he has set his targets high.

"Over recent seasons we have massively underachieved, finishing mid-table, which is not good enough," said Radbourne, who played in the heart of the Deres’ defence last season.

"This is a new season, a new challenge for me and a fresh start for everyone involved.

"We needed to strengthen in certain areas. I am very happy with the new faces, but we are still looking to recruit new players, which is a working progress."

Hythe Town, under new manager Scott Porter, who was Paul Fisk’s number two, takes charge of his first game against the Deres at the weekend.

Hythe, along with Faversham Town, are tipped to do well this season, and Radbourne added, "We enter the new season away to the much-fancied Hythe Town as underdogs.

"We know how difficult it is to get results there. We need to be organised and prepared.

"I would rather go down there in the summer months, the pitch should be decent, which will suit our passing game."

Radbourne, however, admitted that his club cannot compete with the likes of Hythe or Faversham Town, who are reported to be splashing the cash this season.

"I don't want to predict our season because I don't like to tempt fate," he said. "There are a few clubs spending money that I can't compete financially."

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk

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

Hythe Town v Erith & Belvedere
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 8th August
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe, Kent