I think it will be very competitive and totally different to last season and it won't be a two horse race this season, says Glebe boss Luke Rooney

GLEBE manager Luke Rooney says he is expecting a very competitive and a totally different Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division this season.

The Chislehurst based outfit finished in third-place last season but lost out on promotion to Sheppey United and Chatham Town, who were both promoted to the Isthmian League South East Division.

Midfielder Rooney, 31, takes charge of his new side when he takes them down to Deal Town on Saturday.

It will also be Steve King’s first game in charge of Deal Town, having been promoted from his role of coach to replace the retiring Derek Hares.

“It will be a tough fixture, but I like it down there, it’s a good ground with good people,” said Rooney, who scored six goals for league rivals Erith & Belvedere last season, taking charge of their last three games after the club parted company with Danny Murphy and Marlon Patterson.

“I have made lots of new signings, but my best one is Larry Hays and he will be the best signing Glebe has made in its short history, absolutely no doubt in my mind about that. It’s been fantastic recruitment by Del Oldfield.

“We aspire to play football our way and to play with character and personality, so that when people come down and see us play, they want to come back and watch us again.

“I feel the group of people we have put together will reflect what our football club is all about on and off the pitch.”

Both Glebe and Deal Town are expected to be up there challenging for the league title this season but what kind of league is Rooney expecting this season?

“I think it will be very competitive and totally different to last season. It won’t be a two horse race this season,” replied Rooney.

“There’s some very good budgets around. I know this because I was speaking to two players in particular and other teams in our league offered them deals first and they informed me of the details, I therefore didn’t even bother offering them a deal myself and one of them was a friend.”

Rooney insists Glebe will be playing attractive football this season.

“Everyone should get themselves down to watch Glebe this season! You’ll probably enjoy the football on the field but you’ll definitely enjoy the beers in the bar after,” added Rooney.

Rooney and his assistant manager Joe Minter – who left newly-promoted tenants Stansfeld this summer – will be both available for selection this season.

Deal Town  v  Glebe
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 30 July 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU