Longhurst pleased with players' response following Radbourne's resignation

Friday 19th March 2010

MATT LONGHURST takes charge of Erith & Belvedere for the very first time at Holmesdale tomorrow - following Richie Radbourne’s shock resignation last weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

Holmesdale are managed by former Erith & Belvedere assistant Gary Davies, who has steered the Bromley based club to 12th place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, after a traumatic start to the season, which included players walking out prior to a home game against Deal Town.

Longhurst and coach Neil Hunter have staged two training sessions this week and morale is high ahead of the Oakley Road clash.

Longhurst paid tribute to former manager Radbourne, but wants to continue his hard work for the remaining eight league games.

“I would like to say it’s been enjoyable working alongside Rich and I’m sure our paths will cross again in the future,” Longhurst told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Not everyone in football gets along but we had a good working relationship but he’s decided to move on so we carry on where he left off.”

Davies has former Deres in his squad at present, and this will only add spice to the Bulmers Cider Kent League clash.

Longhurst agreed, saying, “Saturday’s game is going to be a difficult one against lots of former players and a former part of the management team at Erith & Belvedere.

“Holmesdale have improved greatly under Gary down there in recent weeks and I’m sure they’ll make it difficult for us.

“Having said that, I fully expect us to go down there and put in a decent performance. We’ve trained twice this week and worked hard on the pattern of play. We’re going to play too. All I’m asking the players to do is play as we ask them to carry out the information we’ve given them and work hard for each other.

“This level is all about hard work and organisation, as we’ve seen with Faversham Town this season. Whether or not you agree with the way they play, it suit’s the players they have and that’s what we’ll do.

“I like players that pass the ball and that’s the way we’ll play with the players we have.

“We don’t have a budget anymore so to have 20 players training twice this week shows the level of commitment that we have now, which is something we’ve questioned in the past.

“We’ve approached a couple of players for next season with other clubs and they are keen to come in next week to strengthen us.

“In the last two games we’ve started unbeaten with the new squad against Beckenham Town and Hythe Town. Now it’s time to put in a performance that matches the level of hard work the players have been putting in.

“I can honestly say I can look all the players in the eye and say they want to be here and play for us.

“We welcome back Roland Duo and Adrian Deane to the squad and I’d be disappointed if we don’t come away from the game with a positive result, but we fully expect to have to work hard and play well to achieve this.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Holmesdale v Erith & Belvedere

Bulmers Cider Kent League

Saturday 20th March 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ