New strikers will give us the cutting edge in the final third, says Sam MacNeil

SAM MacNeil has today pulled off a major transfer coup by signing two players with Kent League experience.


The 20-year-old manager of Kent Football United – the artist formerly known as Erith & Dartford Town – has enticed strike pairing Elstrom Die, 28, and Alex Tiesse, 25, to leave Beckenham Town to sign for the Crayford-based Kent Invicta League outfit.

“We have signed Elstrom and Alex to give us a real cutting edge in the attacking third,” said MacNeil, the youngest football manager in Kent.

“They are sure to bring pace, power, strength and also an understanding having played together which is what we want.

“If we can get the cohesion up the front, I know we will be very dangerous going forward and can convert more chances which with our midfield options I know we will create.

“Both will make their debuts in the Monday night friendly against Kent County League side Platt United, where we will be playing some new faces, trialists and younger players.

“At the end of the day goals win games as Stuart Zanone showed (for Kent Invicta League champions Bly Spartans) last season.  We tried very hard to get Stuart if I’m honest but lost out to Ashford with him but we are delighted with the two players we have acquired.

“We are looking at a few more players, one in particular I’d like to bring in.”

When asked about how the club’s pre-season preparations are going, MacNeil replied, “I’m very happy with the squad.  We are going in the right direction and as I said in an interview before it’s all about setting firm foundations this year to build on.

“We have no target for the year.  We are going one game at a time but to be truthful we want to be the first Kent side to fly to Guernsey!  Wouldn’t mind an adventure there!”

Kent Football United continue their pre-season campaign with a home game against Kent County League side Metrogas at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground.

MacNeil said: “It’s another chance for more trialists and lads to get minutes.

“As I said to the boys it will be mix-and-match pre-season we we’ve built a brand new team so obtaining match fitness and player understanding is very important.

“If we can achieve this then I’m sure we will be in a good position come August 11^th.

“The pitch at VCD is looking fantastic and I am excited about the season ahead.”

MacNeil revealed he is looking to get the club’s youngsters involved at first team level.

He said: “The club are looking to hold an open fun day on the first home game of the season to attract more people to the ground. 

“I know the youth players of all ages are heavily involved as ball boys and mascots this season which is what we want to be, a family club giving progression opportunities to all of our younger players as they are the future of any club.”

Meanwhile, MacNeil welcomed the acceptance into the Kent Invicta League for Crown Alexandra, who were playing in the fourth-tier of the South London Alliance last season.

“I think it’s fantastic Crown Alexandra have been accepted to the Invicta League,” said MacNeil.

“It gives us two more games, another ground to go to and also that unknown factor stepping up from a local league to how good they will be.

“A 6-0 win over Meridian and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Erith Town’s reserves tends to show they are in a good position and I wish them all the best in their debut season at this level.”

Kent Football United  v  Metrogas
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 21^st July 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN