Little: Being rock bottom hasn't forced me to quit

Peter Little will step down as Slade Green manager following Tuesday night’s Kent League Cup Group D home match with Holmesdale - the first managerial casualty in Kent non-league football this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Slade Green have endured a miserable Kent League campaign to date, failing to win from their first seven games and are rock bottom with just one point, scoring four goals.

But performances on the pitch has not forced Little to resign.

Little informed club chairman Mr Brian Smith of his decision last week and made an official announcement to the players prior to yesterday’s 2-0 Kent League Cup Group A home defeat to Beckenham Town.

“Contrary to popular belief I would like to make it clear our current position and the fact that we have yet to win a game this season have nothing to do with my decision, it is purely a personal matter,” explained Little on the club website.

“I am not a quitter, I have been bottom of the league before and turned it around and have full confidence in myself and ability that I would have done the same this time also.

“Like everybody else I love football, but you have to put things into perspective and family will always come first.

“At this moment in time I am spending a lot of the week in Scotland and commuting regularly to and from the north of the border.

“This is preventing me from giving 100% commitment to the club. This isn’t fair on myself, players and the committee.

“I would like to thank the committee for once again giving me the opportunity to manage down the Green.

“As I said during the summer this club holds a special place in my heart and believe me this is not the end of Peter Little and Slade Green Football Club.

“I am not walking away, I intend to stay involved with the club, in what capacity we will see. I would like to wish my successor the very best of luck.”

Meanwhile, Slade Green have completed the signing of former QPR central defender Ryan Johnson from Blue Square South outfit Maidenhead United.

He initially signed for Maidenhead on loan from Queen’s Park Rangers in September 2007, having started his career at Lotus Road at the aged of ten and worked his way through the ranks to become first choice centre half in the R’s reserves last season with squad number of 26.

Johnson was released by QPR midway through the season and subsequently had spells at Dagenham & Redbridge, Maidenhead United (again) and Bournemouth before returning to Maidenhead in August 2006 and made his debut for Slade Green yesterday.

Holmesdale are trying to rush through the signing of striker Mike Graham, 22, in time for their trip to Slade Green.

Oprington resident Graham signed Kent League transfer forms yesterday to be released by Tunbridge Wells, where he struggled to get into their reserve side.

But after two training sessions with the Dalers, Graham believes he will be playing first team football at Oakley Road soon.

“I’m not getting my hopes up (playing for the first team on Tuesday night but) it shouldn’t be too long,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

He added: “They’ll probably play me Saturday.”

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