Foley will land the title for us, says versatile Parkinson - EXCLUSIVE

Jack Parkinson believes new boss Paul Foley will lead VCD Athletic to the Kent League title next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Versatile seventeen-year-old Parkinson, a former youth team player at Ryman Premier League club Tonbridge Angels, has faith in Foley to land the Crayford club’s first ever Kent League crown.

Central midfielder Parkinson showed his versatility when he competed in the inaugural Keeper Wars tournament on the community pitch at Princes Park, the home of Ryman League Division One North club Dartford, today.

Partnering Vickers goalkeeper, Daniel Burke, 18, the pair fought of 28 other goalkeepers to land £20 in prize money and a trophy each.

VCD Athletic squandered their chance to win the Kent League title during their penultimate game of last season - drawing 1-1 at Tunbridge Wells - and handed the title to Whitstable Town in the process.

But Parkinson believes Foley will go one better next term.

“I think we’ve got a really good chance in winning the league,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

"Foley's taken over, maybe a few new players coming in, but Whitstable have gone - I can’t see why we can’t win it.”

And Parkinson feels Tunbridge Wells, the side that denied them the title last season, will be challenging at the right end of the table next term.

“Thamesmead will be a team to beat, along with Croydon,” he said. “Beckenham are a really good team. I suppose it will be out of them lot but then again, Tunbridge Wells apparently got a bit of money put in.”

Parkinson has adjusted to life in the Kent League, adding: “I think it’s quite good. It’s obviously a bit different when you come out of Sunday League football, strong, physical enough - no reason why you can’t play in it.”

And Burke admitted he wants to knock on Foley’s door for a place in the first-team squad next season.

“Obviously, I’m still young but it will be nice to knock on the door for a first-team spot next year,” he said. “I'll just try my best, that’s all you can do.”