I will learn under Daish, says Collins

Thursday 13th August 2009

JORDAN COLLINS says his solid performances will win over the support from the Ebbsfleet United faithful, writes Stephen McCartney.

The young left-back has a hard act to follow as fans get over the loss of fiery Frenchman Sacha Opinel, who has dropped down two divisions to play for Farnborough.

Collins took stick from a section of supporters during the Fleet’s pre-season games, but is determined to impress.

“We’ve got a good set of fans here, he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk, following the Fleet’s 3-1 home defeat to Cambridge United in midweek.

“I know Sacha, he’s a good player and hopefully I can bring my own sort of style to the left-back position.”

Collins, who has also played for Weymouth, was pleased with his team-mates spirited performance against his former club.

“Obviously never good to lose, but I thought we played some good stuff here today but the result didn’t go our way,” said Collins.

The Fleet dominated the first half but they went in at the break a goal down, courtesy of Chris Holroyd’s drive - but the much-changed Kent side levelled early in the second half through Leon Crook’s powerful header.

But Cambridge, backed by around 500 supporters, went on to crush Fleet’s hopes with further goals from Jai Reason and Holdroyd.

“The football we played out there was good but defensively once we get used to each other we’ll be alright. I can’t see us having problems.”

The Fleet reported back to training on Thursday and Collins says he will learn under the management staff of Liam Daish and Paul McCarthy - both defenders.

“Because the gaffer’s a defender himself we do a lot of work on defending and I’ve learnt a lot already,” said Collins. “I think the goals (we conceded) shows we’ve got a lot more to learn.

“It’s very intense on the training pitch. We do a lot of work individually especially on the back four, for me personally, it’s going to be a really good year and hopefully I can improve a lot.”

Daish, now sporting a beard, is looking forward to their next game - at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday - and is looking for his young side to bounce back from their midweek disappointment.

“We won’t let our disappointments last too long and that key to the season,” said Daish.

“We may have a few disappointments but as long as we don’t let that disappointment last too long, we’ll be fine.”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United v Kidderminster Harriers

Blue Square Premier

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN