It's going to be a tough opening game, says Canterbury City player-boss Simon Austin

CANTERBURY CITY player-manager Simon Austin is looking forward to his first game in charge of the club on Saturday.


The 31-year-old takes his side to Surrey to play Whyteleafe – who will be playing their first ever game in the Kent Hurlimann Football League following their relegation from the Ryman League last season.

Striker Austin is pleased pre-season is done and dusted so he can now prepare his side for their opening game at Church Road.

He said: “It’s gone really well. I’m really pleased with how it’s been going. Obviously not concerned about the results but it’s good for the new squad that we’ve got some wins under our belt against some tough opposition,” said Austin.

Austin has done his homework on the Leafe ahead of their opening day clash.

He said: “We’ve done a little bit of work on them. I know some of their players and I’ve heard of a few others.

“They’re a bit of an unknown quantity, although we do know a bit about them, so it’s going to be a tough game.

“I think every game is going to be tough first game of the season because everyone’s going to be up for it.

“I’m expecting a tough game. I’m sure they’re going to be very organised with experienced Ryman League players and not being from Kent I don’t expect them to be hanging around the league too much - I’m expecting them to win it this year.”

Austin has used his contacts in the game to bring in some quality players:

Ryan Andrews – Right-back signed from Leatherhead
Justin Ascheri – midfielder signed on a two-month dual-registration with Faversham Town
Richard Atkins – Striker signed on a two-month dual-registration with Folkestone Invicta
Nick Hegley – Left-back who has come out of retirement
Kieron Mann – Goalkeeper signed from Hythe Town
Ryan Moreby – signed from Folkestone Invicta
Alex Nelson – Midfielder signed from Maldon & Tiptree
Kane Rice – Winger signed from Hythe Town
Alex Waugh – signed from Maidstone United

Austin said: “I think I’ve got six of last years’ squad staying. The rest of the players, I’ve brought in.”

Austin, who left Folkestone Invicta to sign for Herne Bay before transfer deadline day last season, says he will also play a part this season.

He said: “I’ve done all the pre-season training. It’s been quite difficult at the moment to juggle, but once the times right for the season then I’ll play.

“The legs aren’t as good as they used to be so we have to approach that properly!  I think the last two months of pre-season have aged me by about ten years’” he joked.”

Canterbury City’s first home game – at Herne Bay’s Winch’s Field – is against Ben Taylor’s Woodstock Sports next Tuesday.

Woodstock are without the game at the weekend because there are 17 teams in the Kent League this season.

Austin is aware his side will be given a right going over by a physical outfit.

He said: “I’ve played against Woodstock before. I know Ben Taylor and we know what to expect from that game.

“We’re working on how we approach different games according to who and where we’re playing.”

Canterbury City finished in ninth-place last season, with a record of 12 wins and five draws from their 30 league games.

And when asked what his aspirations are for this season, Austin replied, “I don’t want to make any predictions.  I know from within the four walls of the changing rooms what we’re capable of so we’re aiming towards that.

“It’s a two-year project that we’ve got here so the building starts on Saturday.”

Austin added: “Pre-season has been going on for a long time. It was good when the games got underway. Now we’re playing, the business has started. It’s time for us to deliver really.

“When I first won the Kent League with Maidstone, there were your Maidstone’s, Dartford, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Whitstable – all those teams were in the Kent League so it was tough.

“All those teams were in the Kent League and it was tough.  I do believe the Kent League standards have dropped over the last few seasons and now it’s gone up again with the new teams that have come in and are very organised and well run.  It’s going to be a tough league.”

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.org  

Whyteleafe  v  Canterbury City
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 4^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 15 Church Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey CR3 5LA