Hopefully we can take it up to the next level and progress, says Seven Acre & Sidcup boss Lee Hill

SEVEN ACRE & SIDCUP manager Lee Hill says he is looking forward to returning to the club’s roots next season.

The club have secured a three-year deal to play on the grass pitch at Thamesmead Town’s Bayliss Avenue ground.

The club’s roots are from nearby Abbey Wood and Hill sees their move into a Ryman League stadium as a sign of progress.

Eltham Palace – who also play in the Kent Invicta League – will continue to play at Oxford Road next season after the two club’s struck up a deal.

Seven Acre & Sidcup moved into Oxford Road, Sidcup – the former ground of Cray Wanderers – after the Wands moved their reserve side out of the ground just over three years’ ago.

“We’ve signed a three-year deal,” said Hill, who is also the club’s owner.

“I think that shows that we’re trying to progress.

“The boys do pay subs and they will pay subs next year. We’re trying to move slowly but I think it’s put a statement out that we are hopefully going to be considered seriously.

“We have plans but we don’t shout about them. We’re just going to take it nice and slowly and see where we go.

“Hopefully we can get in the FA Vase this year and hopefully progress and get in the FA Cup the year after but it’s a tremendous move for the club.

“We’re going back to where we come from.  Our roots are in Abbey Wood. All the boys come from Thamesmead at the moment and Sporting Club Thamesmead have made us welcome.

“Hopefully we can take it up to the next level and progress.”

When asked whether he will be in charge of the team in their new surroundings, Hill replied: “I am. The boys still want me. I want to see how it goes but at the moment I’m still in charge.

“I’ve had a lot of people enquire about the job and players and coaches but we’re just going to give it one more year and see how it goes and if it doesn’t work out then yes we will change.”

Seven Acre & Sidcup completed their 28-game Kent Invicta League campaign in ninth-place.

“I’m disappointed to finish ninth,” admitted Hill.

“I was looking for a top six or seven finish but they’ve done tremendously well for us.

“We had a disappointing start. We had different managers and we’ve come back on board and we had a great middle half of the season and I think we went 12-13 unbeaten, with a few draws and last seven or eight we’ve won one or two.

“A lot of them play Sunday’s so hopefully that will change next year.  We’re taking everything a bit more seriously, a bit more professional, professionalism in the club and hopefully take it forward.

“I’m disappointed to finish ninth but after the start I think it’s pretty middle of the road so it’s not too bad.”

Seven Acre & Sidcup’s wave goodbye to Oxford Road on Sunday, 18 May (2pm) when the club lock horns with Arsenal Legends’ side for charity.

No names have been unveiled, although Hill did let slip last night that Perry Groves could grace the Oxford Road slope on Sunday.

Tickets are available at the gate for just (£7 adults), £4 (concessions and under 16s) whilst under 12s who are accompanied by a full paying adult will get in for free.

“The club are strongly advising spectators not to drive to the match on Sunday,” said a club statement.

“There will be no parking at the ground or along Oxford Road or the surrounding roads.  Parking, costing £2 a car, will be on offer at Orchard Primary School on Oxford Road.

“There will be Police and parking enforcement officers out in force on the day so please be aware.

“For those of you who wish to socialise with the players from both teams after the match, for just an additional £10 you’ll be able to purchase a ticket for the private players’ lounge.  This will include a free rolling buffet and the chance to mingle with the Arsenal legends and celebrity fans.  These tickets are also on sale on the day.”

The gates will open from 12:00.

Visit Seven Acre & Sidcup’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/sevenacresidcup

Seven Acre & Sidcup  v  Arsenal
Charity Match
Sunday 18^th May 2014
Kick Off 2:00pm
At Oxford Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6LW