I would recruit local players if I was appointed Sevenoaks Town boss, says Paul McDonagh

PAUL McDONAGH has explained why he feels he should be appointed as the new manager of his home-town club Sevenoaks Town, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Kent League club are presently searching for their third manager in as many years, as Simon Jones and Keith Levett turned out to be one season wonders at the Greatness Park club.

And McDonagh, 38, the former Bearsted first team manager, feels the club should appoint someone who is local and will be at the club for the long-term.

“I live in Sevenoaks and have expressed an interest in the first team job at Sevenoaks Town for a number of years,” said McDonagh, who has eighteen years' experience of local football.

“I am the manager/coach of the under 16’s Sevenoaks Kent Youth League side and have lived in Sevenoaks for over fifteen years.

“I have been disappointed with the amount of teams and managers arriving at Sevenoaks and moving on year after year.

“I am passionate about football generally, more so in Sevenoaks and wish to see my local club look to the youth teams and recruit from within the local area.

“If I was offered the position that is what I would look to do.

“I have the experience, qualifications (UEFA B licence) and have been scouting the local area for good young players for years.

“I would love the opportunity to stabilise the club and after a few years hope to push for promotion with a younger local side.”

Under Jones, a couple of seasons ago, Sevenoaks finished in sixth place in the Kent League – the club’s highest finish - and reached the Kent League Cup Final for the first time, where they lost to Herne Bay.

And Levett, who has been appointed as the assistant manager at Chatham Town under Kevin Watson,  guided the club to seventh place last season.

Visit Sevenoaks Town’s website: www.sevenoakstownfc.org