Loss of training facilities sent us into freefall, reflects O'Brien

Sunday 25th April 2010

CHATHAM TOWN boss Alex O’Brien says he wants to iron out some matters with the chairman as he prepares for his second season in charge of the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

O’Brien and his assistant Lew Watts were expected to guide the Maidstone Road club towards the Ryman League Division One South play-off’s - but the pair had to settle for a place in the bottom six with 46 points from 42 league games.

Chatham were defeated 2-1 by Kent rivals Ashford Town at Homelands on the final day of the season, a result that kept Ashford in the Ryman League.

Chatham collected just 16 points (5 wins and 1 draw) from the 60 available after Christmas, as the Medway side went down like the Christmas decorations.

“I’m as honest as long as the day is and I think I started the campaign thinking we are a play-off side,” reflected O’Brien, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Then after Christmas, unfortunately we lost training facilities and this that and the other, and we just went on a hell of a freefall and in all honesty if you look at the form guide we should’ve been down!

“But we had the points in the bag from the start and I think that’s saved us but on paper we’ve got good players but unfortunately we haven’t gelled as quick or we haven’t worked hard for each other as myself and Lew would’ve experienced and I think that’s bit us.”

O’Brien will be sitting down with his chairman to discuss next season.

He said: “What do I need? You haven’t got enough ink in your pen to be honest at the minute!

“But it’s all going to be who moves in the summer and who’s available in the summer.

“I’ll dust myself off and we’ll see how we go. Obviously the chairman is going to talk to myself and Lew and we’ll see how we are and we’ll see what we’ve got (financially for next season).

“I’m not going to lie and say I’m definitely going to be here and this, that and the other because I know in football one door shuts and another one opens or another one opens and another one shuts.

“I’m just going to have a holiday and see how we get on - get the presentations out of the way and then see how we are.”

Meanwhile, off-the-pitch, Chatham Town are searching for a new shirt sponsor for next season. For further details please contact the club info@chathamtownfc.net.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net