McMahon wants a dream start to season

Wednesday 12th August 2009

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says experience will count during his side’s opening week of the new season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Mead play two newly promoted sides in Lowestoft Town and Romford - and McMahon is looking to pick up maximum points to get their new Ryman One North campaign off to a flying start.

The visit of Lowestoft on Saturday is expected to attract the club’s largest attendance at this level and McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk said: “It’s a great fixture for us to be fair. They’ve got big support and it’s a good start for us with a decent crowd. It should be a really tough game as well.

“I’m expecting them to be a tough side. They’ve signed some youngsters from Norwich City this year and I expect them to be one of the dark horses to be right up there this year.

“They’re stepping up a level so it should be a good test for us.”

McMahon’s men finished their first season in Ryman League Division One North in the bottom five last year - and knowing what to expect, improvement is on the agenda.

“It’s a massive bonus that, having a year (in the league),” McMahon said. “We were in the same position last year. You can watch sides but until you play sides you find out what the step up is and it is a big step up. We can get them early and surprise them.

“Of course we’re looking to improve on last year by quite a lot. To get off to a flyer, first game of the season, would be great. Our aim is to get three points.”

With Bayliss Avenue going through much-needed improvements, McMahon is proud of the playing surface.

He said: “Most people I’ve spoken to have said it’s the best pitch they’ve ever seen. There’s a lot going on at the moment, the ground will be finished (in 12 months time), there’s a lot going on around it.

“The pitch itself is the best it’s ever looked. I doubt there’s a better pitch around. Everything will be in place, there will be a little bit of upheaval, people have to walk to a different entrance to the ground, using temporary turnstiles, but it’s a small thing to pick on.

“In twelve months time the stadium will be unbelievable.”

McMahon will be without summer signing, Marcus Perona (one match ban), Kaleb Kamara-Taylor (groin) and Lea Dawson (holiday) on the opening day of the season.

McMahon then takes his side to Aveley on Tuesday night, to tackle another newly promoted side in Romford.

“With Romford, they’re going to be in the same position as us,” said McMahon. “Hopefully we can get them cold, it’s their first home game and hopefully we can pick up another three points and have a dream start to the season. That’s the plan.”

Speaking about expectations for the season ahead, McMahon said: “We’ve learnt, I’ve learnt, the club and the players have learnt. We’re a hell a lot stronger, I’ve brought in nine new players from last year and we know what to expect.

“I expect us to improve on last year. Most managers aim to look for the play-off’s, that’s their benchmark.

“It’s a tough league, it’s so tight any one of ten teams can win it. We’ve got to improve on last year. I’m a progressive manager, the club’s progressive and we’re looking to climb the table.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Thamesmead Town v Lowestoft Town

Ryman League Division One North

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ