I'm looking for a top half finish - if the players' work hard, says Rusthall boss Paul McDonagh

RUSTHALL manager Paul McDonagh says he wants his players to be committed to the cause from today.

McDonagh’s first game in charge at Jockey Farm resulted in a 3-1 defeat to Kent League side Sevenoaks Town yesterday and he admitted after the game that he is finding players not as committed as the ones he coached at Ryman League Division One North club Thamesmead Town last season.

McDonagh, 39, confirmed yesterday that the Kent Invicta League club do not have a playing budget again this season.

He said: “We’ve had a good turn-out in pre-season and it was quite disappointing when I told the players about the fixtures that five or six of them said they’re away on holiday this week.  We’ve got another couple away on holidays next week and a few lads pulled out yesterday at the last minute through work commitments.

“Unfortunately, at this level, even though it’s a good level still, if you’re not paying the players’ sometimes you have to balance the two.

“Hopefully next week it will be a tougher challenge and we’ll have a bigger turnout.”

When asked what the difference was between Ryman South and Kent Invicta League players, McDonagh replied, “The main difference, I would say, was a little eye opener for player commitment in terms of priorities of players are slightly different at times and obviously there’s a little bit better technical ability in the Ryman League.  Thamesmead players were able to do things you ask them to do, but the main thing I would say is the fitness levels of the players so it’s something that has to be worked on.”

Rusthall finished the inaugural Kent Invicta League campaign in eleventh place, but McDonagh has set his aspirations higher this season.

He said: “Hard to say in terms of personnel at the moment, but certainly I’m looking at a top half finish at least – if the players work hard. 

“I’ve got a couple of new faces in and if they listen to what I’m trying to coach them to do, they could be a top three or four finish.

“Realistically we’re looking at eighth maybe, but to be honest I’m one of these managers and coaches that I believe that we can win the league but I’m not going to tell you that!”

Rusthall face another Kent League side next Saturday in the shape of last season’s runners-up Erith & Belvedere.

Micky Collins’ side opened their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 win over Warlingham yesterday, with last season’s top goalscorer, Andy Constable, scoring one of the goals.

Looking ahead to the Jockey Farm work-out, McDonagh said: “I deliberately tried to get a tougher pre-season. Not deliberately done to get a bit more difficult as we go along.  Generally I wanted higher league opposition just because the way I look at it. If a player players well against that opposition he’ll certainly going to well in the Invicta League.”

Visit Rusthall’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/rusthallfootballclub

Rusthall  v  Erith & Belvedere
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 14^th July 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Jockey Farm, Nellington Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8SH