Langton will drive the club forward, says Forbes - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Long-serving Rusthall boss Robbie Forbes believes his side should have beaten British Energy Kent County Premier League champions Holmesdale today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Jockey Farm outfit found themselves 2-0 up at Oakley Road through John Penny and Rob Perkins, but a brace from Holmesdale substitute striker Tom Creasey in the last twenty minutes, earned a share of the spoils.

Forbes, 40, brought himself on for the last three minutes in his last game before handing the reigns over to Hugo Langton, whose been coaching Gillingham’s Ladies side this term.

Forbes revealed that he’s “very sad” to be stepping down from his role - but he will still be a prominent force at the club.

“Been involved running the team for seven years and played for the first team for close to 23, so very said it’s all come to an end, but you can only take things so far” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I’ve taken it as far as I can, so I’m looking forward to Hugo coming in and he can take them onto the next level, hopefully.”

Reflecting on today’s draw at the champions, Forbes added: “We should of won. It was 2-1 with (twenty) minutes to go and we’ve missed a couple of other good chances to extend it to 3-1, maybe 4-1.

“So pleased we’ve drew two-all but slightly disappointed that we didn’t take them as a scalp.”

Forbes, meanwhile, believes Langton is the right man to take the club forward - with promotion into the Kent League their dream.

“He’s got good experience,” he said. “He’s been involved with Kent League clubs. He’s been involved with professional clubs, albeit in a ladies capacity.

“He knows a lot of players, he seems to be a good coach. He’s got a lot of knowledge, he’s got a lot of contacts - I’m confident that he can take us forward.”

Just like Holmesdale, Rusthall are in the process of trying to erect floodlights at their ground.

“We’ve applied for planning application for floodlights,” said Forbes. “We’re aiming to push the club forward, to get into a position that we could apply for the Kent League.

“Obviously we’ve got to get that right on the pitch to do that as well, but you’ve got to get it right off the pitch at well.”

Forbes, however, hasn’t set a timescale of winning promotion.

“We don’t put pressure on ourselves like that,” he said. “Realistically we’ve got to get the floodlights installed and get them up before we’ve got any chance so that will take a number of years after planning, a year after planning’s granted.”

Forbes revealed what he’ll be doing at the club next season.

He said: “I’m running the under 8’s at the club. My son plays in the under 7’s at the moment so I’ll be running the under 8’s.

“I’m vice-chairman at the club as well. I’ve got a keen interest, having been involved since I was seventeen to see the club go forward.

“I’ll definitely be involved but I won’t be standing on the line giving my opinion.”

Visit Rusthall’s website: www.rusthallfc.co.uk