I understand exactly what it will take to reach the next level and those beyond, says newly-promoted Fleetdown United boss Martin McCarthy

FLEETDOWN UNITED have appointed Martin McCarthy as their new manager.

The Dartford based club now play in the NRG Gym Kent County League Premier Division after winning promotion last season and have set their sights to climb up through the leagues with the 34-year-old in charge.



PROMOTION: Fleetdown United will be playing Kent County League Premier Division football this season.
Photo: Jules Hoare

Chairman Ron Mabey said: “Fleetdown United Football Club are pleased to announce that it has finally agreed terms with its new manager for the club in Martin McCarthy.

“The club is pleased to announce that after numerous months of networking, interviewing and searching for the most successful candidate to follow outgoing manager Paul Lakin, we have finally agreed terms with Martin McCarthy to become the new manager of the football club.

“Martin joined the club back in 2013 with a plethora of football knowledge and contacts through his 20 years in higher level football, and is a fantastic addition for our ambitions of taking the football club in to the Southern Counties League and higher.

“As a local lad, Martin was approached regarding the role and it was always hoped he would accept the challenge. To have finally agreed terms is a great statement for the club.

“With his background in playing football (Various teams from the Football League through to Kent League sides) we believe Martin has enough knowledge of what it takes to bring the club to a higher level. Martin will be given everything he needs and our upmost backing to do so.

“In previous years Fleetdown have had individual managers running our senior sides (4 teams in senior football) and although we are very thankful for the hard work and commitment shown by each of these managers before him, Martin has now been given the task of managing the whole senior club including, all recruitment and decisions in making the football club move forward.

“It’s a big job but one we believe Martin’s hard work, energy, commitment and contacts will help him to achieve.

“Allowing Martin to run the whole senior set up is a very unique situation for the club of the size of Fleetdown, however like most successful teams, we believe that the football club has to have one identity, and a standalone football club mentality. We all agree on this.

“Martin has been asked to bring in individual managers for each and every side in our senior club, and these are already in place.

“It’s a busy time for us as a Football club and Martin is eager to work with each and every age group to make sure everyone has the opportunity to make the higher grade.

“Having watched Martin from afar already, we have seen how he is working with internal club personnel to bring a professional approach off the pitch as well as on it, and so believe we have made the right decision for the future of the club.

McCarthy is relishing the challenge at Heath Lane Lower.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have agreed with the club, a contract that enables me to have complete control of the destiny of the senior football sides at the football club,” said McCarthy.

“It shows a great belief in me as a manager and as a person and one that I will try my absolute best to fulfil for the hard working committee at Fleetdown FC.

“I had been approached by clubs to work in coaching roles, player coaching roles etc etc, however, I really only wanted a role where I was able to be involved in major strategy and decision making processes and I believe this challenge give me this.

“I’m not one for words, nor discussing my footballing past... I prefer the here and now.  I prefer actions and a hardworking ethic in achieving them. However, what I will bring to the club is a realism of the situation it finds itself in and an understanding of exactly what it will take to reach the next level and those beyond.

“Will we reach them?, only time will tell, but it won’t be for the lack of understanding and work rate if we don’t.

“Too often I have had and overheard conversations with people in football regarding a five year plan here and a three year plan there, when in reality, only when a club truly understands exactly what it takes and a willingness to maybe change the direction it currently has if it needs too, will those plans ever fully materialise.

“Having great ideas without substance, personnel or a financial backing often leads to disappointment in not achieving these, however having sat with the committee and seen what plans are in place for the club, I believe we share the same vision, and as such was happy to take on the challenge.

“It’s a great hard working club that’s been happy to accept its ‘lovely and friendly club’ tag for too long now. It’s my role to produce good football teams to match their endeavour.

“Not for one minute do I believe it will be easy, however having seen the levels that the football club has reached without a fully clear, defined structure, it only goes to confirm to me that with the right direction, backing and togetherness, it has a great opportunity to aim a lot higher.

“I have already brought in some new players to the club, however I’m also happy to allow players currently here to show us why they should remain. We believe they can become better players if they understand the game more and believe in the structure we are looking to implement. It’s a challenge for everyone and so I hope they accept it.

“My biggest challenge at only 34, is that I do not have the experience of managing a whole club, inside and out and so one of my most pressing decisions when planning and preparing for the new role, was understanding that in order to succeed, their needed to be others involved who will have as big a part to play as me in the initial process.

“A fitness coach, a goalkeeping coach, have all been brought in to benefit individuals that my experience cannot benefit solely.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce that my assistant for this year will be Kieron Rocke.  I first worked with Kieron as a player when he was manager at Corinthian and then subsequently when he was manager at Erith & Belvedere and Phoenix Sports.

“Kieron will bring an understanding of how to play football the right way. A great coach with many years’ experience in football, Kieron has a great understanding of the different levels or fitness, football and overall understanding of the game that it will take to enhance our players to the next level and I believe this is showing already.

“Finally, I am also delighted to confirm that Jimmy Martin and Ian Allchin will also be part of the management committee for the club moving forward and will look to provide the platform and football understanding for all of our players to ensure the club has the one philosophy and the one direction we will need, running our second team.

“As clubmen that have been associated with the club for many, many years, Jimmy and Ian can continue to maintain the clubs internal structure, while hopefully Kieron and I can lead from the front.”

Visit Fleetdown United’s website: www.fleetdownunitedfc.org.uk