It's really hard to keep above water, says Boro' boss

Thursday 04th March 2010

LIFE has been tough for Greenwich Borough - so reaching the Kent Senior Trophy Final on Saturday would be just rewards for the Bromley based club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The club that famously sent Arsenal goalscoring legend, Ian Wright, on his way to fame and fortune, have fallen on tough times during the past year, losing their modest Harrow Meadow ground to housing at the end of last season and forcing to groundshare at Holmesdale’s Oakley Road ground.

Groundsharing is always tough - just ask Cray Wanderers, Maidstone United and Norton Sports - but Greenwich Borough are the worst supported club in Kent, averaging gates of just 33.

But pulling off a major shock by beating a Herne Bay side that are unbeaten in their last 13 games (Simon Halsey’s men have won 12 of them), would be the shot in the arm that the club need.

“Of course we’re looking forward to it,” Steve Firkins, who doubles up as first team manager and club secretary, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We’ve had two games against Herne Bay this season and both have been good games.

“We’re not looking into anything just yet. We know Herne Bay are a very good side, they’re unbeaten in 13 games so they are a major obstacle at the moment.

“I think it’s going to be a very good game and we’re hoping we’ll attract a decent crowd as well.”

Putting his secretary hat on, gates of just 33 don’t even cover match day expenses.

“We didn’t have a massive support anyway and I think over the years what regular support they did have has dwindled away,” said Firkins.

“Last year we were averaging 30-40 if we were lucky so although it’s stepped up to that sort of mark now it’s probably 16 people there straight away who are club officials so what we’re getting through the gate just barely covers the officials’ fees really.

“We’re living on fresh air basically. What money is coming in we’re putting money in ourselves and we’re paying for training and stuff like that. I think most clubs are in that position at the moment.

“It’s really, really hard to keep above water so to speak.”

A Kent Senior Trophy final against Faversham Town or Deal Town would be reward for the club officials, who are working tirelessly to keep the club afloat.

“We all deserve it,” said Firkins. “It would be nice for everybody associated with the club, Devon Hanson, the chairman, the new committee members right down to the girls in the canteen who do the food for the lads afterwards, it would be nice.

“But Herne Bay will be looking forward to that cup final as well. I think it will be a really good game between the two sides.”

Sitting in seventh place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table (with 8 wins and 5 draws from their 19 league games), Greenwich Borough’s season rests on Saturday’s game.

“I don’t want to put any untold pressure on them (my players) really, it should be a nice occasion,” said Firkins.

“The weather’s dried up, the pitch has firmed up a little bit. If we’re fortunate to beat them then great. If we don’t we’ll have to take it on the chin and build for next season.

“We’re not going to do much in the league. We’ve left ourselves with far too much to do in the league. We’ve had some poor results and the boys know that. We’re disappointed with our league position, especially after last year’s finish.”

Floodlighting is destined to return to Oakley Road this weekend - although the game will kick-off at 2 o’clock as planned.

“As far as I’m aware, I had a text message from Simon Kidby (Holmesdale’s secretary) and a new generator is being installed tomorrow,” revealed Firkins.

“We’ve still got our two o’clock kick-off, just to be on the safe side, just in case things go wrong.

“We’re told our game against Sporting Bengal next Tuesday night should go ahead so as far as I’m concerned the lights should be up and running over the weekend.

“We had a meeting with Holmesdale a couple of weeks back and they basically kept us in touch. It’s hard for them as well. We feel sorry for them. If we had a bit of money we would have helped them out but we’re in the same position as them financially and they have had to really dig deep to get a new generator.”

When asked about the cost, Firkins replied, “I don’t really know. We’re not privy to that information but I should imagine it would be a nice few quid.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

Greenwich Borough v Herne Bay

Kent Senior Trophy Semi-Final

Saturday 6th March 2010

Kick Off 2:00pm

At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, BR2 8HQ