New facilities are great for the area, says Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says he can see the “light at the end of the tunnel,” as the club move into their plush new facilities at Bayliss Avenue in November, writes Stephen McCartney.


Trust Thamesmead (and others) have splashed out millions on improving facilities for the local community, which includes a new stand at Bayliss Avenue, but completion has taken a year longer than planned, which has frustrated everybody at the Ryman League Division One North club.

“All the scaffolding’s down, the 3G (pitch) is going to be laid on August 1^st, we’re meant to be moving out of here (the clubhouse behind the goal) on November 1^st and completion for the whole development is 28^th November,” revealed McMahon last night.

“The training pitches are looking very good, everything is moving forward.  The contractors are now working, the Trust is now fully behind us and it’s been really positive over the last month.

“We’re looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get on the training pitch and get out of here and into the new building.

“It’s been so frustrating,” admitted McMahon.  “The work that the committee and myself has had to do has been awful!  On Sunday, me and Alan Woodward were on our hands and knees in the outside toilets fixing leeks in all kinds of mess and we won’t have to worry about that, it’s out of our control.

“The delay is not down to any money, it’s down to a couple of builders’ going bust and it’s been just as frustrating for Trust Thamesmead, whose obviously put millions of pounds in.  It’s cost them another million since they’ve been waiting to get it built.  It’s frustrating for us but double hard for them.

“We thank them for all the help they’ve given us and hopefully when it’s all up and running we’ll forget about the extra year we’ve been waiting but it’s been difficult but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

When asked who will run the new facilities, McMahon explained: “They are actually going to run the bar.  The football section is going to run the football section and that will never change.  The 3G (pitch) will be run by Sporting Club Thamesmead and we’re in a partnership with them and what we’re good at, football and with crowds coming in, it should be a great partnership with them.

“We can add a lot, they’re there to support us. We haven’t had to worry about a leak or a bill or anything, we’re just there as a community.”

Bexley resident McMahon added: “I don’t live in Thamesmead, but everyone knows my dedication to Thamesmead.  It’s brilliant for the area and I think we’re very fortunate and we can do the place proud.”

The current clubhouse, which also houses changing rooms, bar, toilets, boardroom and members’ bar, will be flattened and turned into a car park during November.

McMahon, whose side suffered a slump in form after Christmas and slid down the Ryman League Division One North table after being second at Christmas, was asked whether he is under pressure to deliver the goods on the pitch.

“None not so ever,” he replied.  “I’ve got no pressure, the committee here are excellent.  We’ve got very close over the summer working hard and a lot of stuff’s been happening, but there’s no pressure on me whatsoever.

“Obviously, I’ve got my own pressure.  I want to deliver as much as I can for this football club.  Everyone knows it. The committee here are one big family here.

“The football club still can’t believe we’re playing Ryman League football.  It’s only a few years ago this place looked like a prison and now look at it – it’s a football ground, a new 3g (pitch).  This football club has come on leaps and bounds than any other football club at this level in the last four or five years.

“Every year we stay in the Ryman League – or get higher – when we sit down and have a reality check – I think what a great job!

“When you’re getting 70-80 (supporters) through the gate and you’re still competing and bringing in players (that we have), everyone’s fully behind me and all we need to be together as a family and that’s the difference between us and a lot of clubs like us.  We haven’t got finances, we’ve got grit and determination and togetherness.”

The Mead lost their opening pre-season friendly after Maidstone United came away from Bayliss Avenue with a 2-1 win in front of 57 fans’ last night.  Callum Mageehan scored Mead’s goal on the hour after James Pinnock and Graeme Andrews scored for the Stones during the first half.

Thamesmead continue their pre-season campaign when Blue Square Bet South side Welling United visit Bayliss Avenue on Saturday (3pm).

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

Thamesmead Town  v  Welling United
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 23^rd July 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ