My players aren't motivated by money, says Lovell - EXCLUSIVE

Whilst other managers in Kent are unveiling their retained lists for next season, life is different for Sittingbourne manager Steve Lovell, writes Stephen McCartney.

Lovell didn’t have a single contracted player at Bourne Park last season so he’ll have to wait until the start of pre-season training in July before he can plan ahead for the new campaign.

The Welshman revealed EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight that he’s staying behind in Rainham, whilst his players enjoy the delights of Magalouf for a long weekend - at the same time as their new Ryman League Division One South rivals Whitstable Town.

Lovell explained the situation at Bourne Park, compared to other clubs in Kent.

“Unless you’re with a bigger club, who can sign players on contract, things are done pretty easily,” he said.

“But I don’t put anybody on contract so we’ll wait and see what happens when the pre-season starts.

“A lot of it is (financial) as you can only put people on contract if you’re playing them decent money, and I understand we’re not affluent as lots of other clubs so we’ve got to try and do the best as we can.”

Club officials have hinted what budget Lovell will have at his disposal next season - and he’s relishing the opportunity.

“I’ve got a rough idea what it is,” he said. “I will use that the best I can to try and, again, build a squad that can challenge the Ryman League.”

Lovell recalled his first spell at the club, when the club had cash to splash during their early days at Central Park.

“It’s a lot different,“ he recalled. “When we were first there we had the luxury of signing the best players around to come and play for us and like in any league you’ve got to do with the budget that you’ve got.

“But I feel through my time in non-league football, only since the first days at Sittingbourne, I’ve never had a big budget and I’ve managed to have fairly successful seasons with what I’ve been given.

“I tend to rely on my man-management skills and my coaching ability and I find every season a challenge and if I can get to certain levels through the season then I find it’s been a very successful time for me.

“I think sometimes people can spend money on players for the sake of it. I always judge players on their ability, not on the money they command and there’s players out there that can play at this level but not for the biggest money.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Lovell has yet decided on the first day of pre-season training, but will be looking to find more gems for the club.

“I haven’t put a date on it yet but will probably be back in the first week of July,” he said.

“I will talk to the players between now and then so we’ve got an idea on who wants to stay and to be honest, the majority of the boys will stay because they enjoy themselves with us.

“They know what they’re getting and over the last two years the players there have enjoyed a heck of a lot.

“I take that as a personal pat on the back if you like regarding how I can improve players individually as well as collectively.”

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk