Kentish Football 
My next goal is to put Simon Halsey on a contract says Herne Bay chairman
Tuesday 30th August 2011
HERNE BAY chairman Trevor Kennett says his next goal is to put manager Simon Halsey on a contract, writes Stephen McCartney.Halsey guided the Winch’s Field club to back-to-back runners up spots in the Kent League, losing the title to Faversham Town and Hythe Town, but they have won back-to-back Kent League Cup titles, following wins over Sevenoaks Town and Hythe Town.
Herne Bay presently sit at the summit of the Kent Hurlimann Football League table following three wins and a draw and go into Saturday’s home FA Cup tie against tenth placed Deal Town in good spirits.
“If only August could be the same for every month until May 2012 – unbeaten in our first 4 games and although I think most would agree we are not performing to our full potential, what a start,” Mr Kennett wrote in his blog on the club’s website www.hernebayfc.net.
“And as Simon was reminding me on the long journey to and from Pagham, that’s 31 games undefeated (which is now 33).
“My next goal is to get our manager on a contract, because when I look around the Kent and Ryman League’s, I simply cannot see a better manager than Simon and much credit should go to him for getting (and keeping us hopefully) in this very positive position.”
Reflecting on the season so far, Mr Kennett, who’s company sponsored the Kent League last season said, “Beckenham’s not really anyone’s first choice for your opener of the season and as I expected they are a very good team and I don’t think they will lose many at home this season, so I think that a 4-2 victory most would take if offered before kick off.
“It was very pleasing to see over 200 for our first home league action against Deal Town, another close game but I think in the end we had too much for them in all departments and a very satisfactory 2-1 win.
“Let us remember that this time last year we hadn’t won a game yet.”
Mr Kennett added: “We are still building our form with most clubs being very happy at that start, but not Herne Bay as we know that the lads can perform better.
“For me the real difference this season is our desire to win and our fitness. This was shown again on our epic voyage to Pagham in the FA Cup. Out-played for 20 minutes and then going a goal down, but we started again and played some good football and by midway through the second half we were just too good for them and fitted by a long way.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round tie against Deal Town, the chairman said: “I am already looking forward to a great game and a large crowd.”
Victory over Derek Hares’ side will earn another home tie, against either Erith Town or South Park in the First Qualifying Round on 17 September.
Quotes courtesy of www.hernebayfc.net
Herne Bay v Deal Town
FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 3rd September 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SJ
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