Kentish Football 
Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey wants to celebrate first anniversary by guiding the club into last 32
Wednesday 08th December 2010
HERNE BAY boss Simon Halsey says his side has a “massive incentive” to win Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Vase tie against Colliers Wood United at Winch’s Field, writes Stephen McCartney.
Victory over the Combined Counties League outfit will set up a crunch home clash against back-to-back winners Whitley Bay in the last 32 of the competition - the start of the national stage.
“With the draw being done before the tie’s been played it has added a little bit of spice to it, with the winners having a home draw against the holders (or AFC Liverpool), which is a great incentive for us and it will also lift Colliers Wood, so I have to make sure that I pick the right 16 this Saturday,” Halsey told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.
“I haven’t had a chance to see them but I didn’t see Camberley (who we beat 3-0 in the last round), so as long as I make sure I choose the right 16 on the day let them worry about Herne Bay really.”
Halsey added: “I think if we get through Saturday’s round and get into the nationals that will be the first time the club’s achieved that for 13 years, so it’s something else for the lads to be pleased about and myself.”
Halsey, who has guided the Bay to the Kent League summit, says he has adapted to life as being a manager and has just celebrated a successful maiden year in charge.
“Lots of people put Herne Bay up on a pedestal and people don’t take into account up until last weekend was actually my first season as a manager,” said Halsey.
“Lots of managers have three or four season’s to develop their squads, but we were runners-up (in the Kent League) last year and winners in the Kent Premier League Cup and hopefully going into the nationals of the FA Vase but we’ve done that in the season which is phenomenal and I’m pleased as punch!”
He added: “It’s been a transition for me as I’ve always been a coach wherever I’ve been, being the link between the players and the manager, hearing things, discussing with the managers, I’ve always been the players friend.
“I’ve had to change that a little bit, but I still enjoy the training and make sure they do their training and have a laugh.
“I’ve changed a little bit but I’m not afraid to make decisions in picking personnel. I’ve absolutely loved it and if I’m honest with you, people thought this season I could fall flat on my face.
“We’re nearly halfway through the season and I have to make sure that doesn’t happen to me but I’m sure it won’t as I’ve always been a winner and I won’t change now.”
And Halsey is content with professionally preparing his side on his own.
Halsey was Marc Seager’s number two at arch-rivals Whitstable Town - but for a time at the start of the season the tables had turned.
“Marc was going to take the position of number two,” explained Halsey. “He helped me for a couple of games but he’s applied for the London Marathon. I got him around the club as I wanted a hand and it would get the bit between his teeth to get back into football. He’s decided he wanted to play again and he’s been training with us and playing for the reserves and the title as number two is now what he is at the moment.
“He see’s himself as a reserve player at the moment, trying to push into the first team and he will be there for any advice and he will help me if the reserves haven’t got a game.
“But if you ask any of the players I’ve got myself into a routine now and I’m on my own on a Saturday and at training and I don’t want to break that routine with the players as some are very superstitious.
“I do the warm-up and do everything and the players are all focused on that and their minds are geared on that and I’m happy to be plodding about on my own.”
Legendary Tommy Sampson, who guided Deal Town to FA Carlsberg Vase glory underneath the iconic Wembley Twin Towers back in 2000, backs his former club to claim victory on Saturday.
Leaving a voicemail message to www.kentishfootball.co.uk earlier in the week, Sampson, the only manager to claim a Kent League treble, said: “Steve, it’s Tommy Sampson, hello mate. Just like to wish, though your website, Herne Bay the best of luck for Saturday,
“It’s getting very close now, the business end of the tournament, so if you can wish Herne Bay good luck for me from Tommy Sampson I’d be ever so grateful.
“I’ve obviously spoken to Simon briefly and I can only wish him well.
“They’re very close to the semi-finals and their draw is magnificent, AFC Liverpool or Whitley Bay, so if you can pass my best wishes on, through the website, I’d be ever so grateful.”
Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net
Herne Bay v Colliers Wood United
FA Carlsberg Vase Third Round
Saturday 11th December 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG
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