I still want to be here in ten years', says Phoenix Sports manager Steve O'Boyle

Wednesday 24th December 2014

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Steve O’Boyle says he wants to be in charge of the club for the next ten years.

The Barnehurst based outfit can leapfrog over leaders Erith & Belvedere on Saturday should they win the Christmas cracker against the Deres at Mayplace Road East.

Phoenix Sports have come a very long way in a very short space of time.

The club won the Kent County League Division Two West title back in 2005 and could be playing Ryman League Division One North or South football next season should they win the Southern Counties East Football League title at the end of the season.

O’Boyle’s side are unbeaten in all sixteen league games this season and haven’t lost a game in any competition this season. They were knocked out of The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay by league rivals Deal Town on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw after extra time at Mayplace Road East.

Saturday’s game against Erith & Belvedere should attract a large crowd to Phoenix Sports.

“We’ve got a very, very good team spirit and I think the secret behind it is they all get on and they’re all in it together,” said O’Boyle, 37.

When asked whether this is his personal best in management, O’Boyle replied: “At this level, yes, but when we won the Kent Invicta League (in 2013) we didn’t get beat until April 7^th so it was a very good season.

“The club’s where it is today because of that team. I thought we had a very good side that year, albeit Kent Invicta League level, but I won’t forget those boys getting promoted and the club’s going from strength-to-strength.

“The club, I’ve said it all along, I took a backward step to come here and I honestly believe this club will outgrow most clubs locally just because of the structure of the club. It’s well supported and I actually believe it will go on strength-to-strength.

“I think we’ll outgrow a lot of clubs in the next ten years and that’s what I want to be a part of this club – so yes it’s probably my best season and I’m hoping you’re asking me the same question in April.”

When asked where he thinks the club will be in ten years’ time, O’Boyle replied: “Who knows? I’d like to be in the Ryman League. I think it’s got the potential. We have applied for promotion, that’s not saying we’re going to win it, but you’ve got to be prepared for it.

“There is a bit of work to be done on the ground, which the board will 100% do. They’re not one of these people that say they’re going to do it and they won’t. They will do it!

“In ten years? I don’t know. I still want to be there. It’s like to be there. I’ve been there from the start and I’d like to be there in ten years.”

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website: www.phoenixsportsclub.org

Phoenix Sports v Erith & Belvedere
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 27^th December 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT