Not many people expected us to be where we are, says McMahon

Wednesday 09th December 2009

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says he wants a good points tally from their next four league games to kick on in the New Year, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Mead, surprising many as they sit in fourth place in the Ryman League Division One North table, with 34 points from 19 games, welcome the side immediately above them in the table - East Thurrock United - on Saturday before eighth placed side Concord Rangers visit Bayliss Avenue next Tuesday.

A trip to league leaders Lowestoft Town follows before the big derby game against in-form VCD Athletic at Bayliss Avenue on Boxing Day.

McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, is looking forward to welcoming East Thurrock on Saturday.

“I went to watch them last night, they’re a really strong side,” said McMahon. “They’re one of the favourites for the league, they’re on a good run.

“It should be difficult for us but hopefully we can play to our potential and try and get a result.”

McMahon added: “I wouldn’t say (these four games) would break our season as not many people thought we’d be where we are.

“We’ve also got VCD on Boxing Day, which will be another tough one. If we pick up maybe eight or nine points out of the 12 we’d be in a very good position come after Christmas.

Paul Foley’s side have climbed up the table and at present sit in seventh place in the table, with a record of nine wins and three draws from their first 19 league games at this level.

Looking ahead to the Bayliss Avenue bash, McMahon added: “They’ve done well, they’re on a good run so it will be a big game on Boxing Day.

“It’s a local derby, I would say it will be a nice atmosphere, there’s a lot of good feeling between the two clubs as there’s a lot of friends because we’re so close. There’s a lot of rivalry. I used to be a manager there, there’s people on both sides who have played for both sides. It will make it a little bit more spicy.

“I will be a good game, they’re doing well and so are we, but we’ve got to get through the other three games first.”

After Saturday, Concord Rangers visit and McMahon is relishing these big games, especially as his side finished in the bottom five last season.

“They’re a really good side, so that will be another tough one,” he said. “These are the games we want to get involved in.

“Last year we wanted to stay up, this year we’re six points off from what we totalled last year so we’re right close to what we had for the whole of last season so it just shows how far we’ve come.”

McMahon, meanwhile, has crossed the border to sign central midfielder/attacker Calum McGeehan from Ilford.

“I’m thrilled to have him in the squad,” McMahon told www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk.

“I first watched Calum play for Ilford against East Thurrock at the beginning of the season and I thought he was their best player.”

Meanwhile, two players have left the club. Peter Smith departs for Waltham Forest (where former Mead midfield favourite Pedro Knight now plays) and coach Tony Russell has also gone.

McMahon is sorry to see the pair go, adding, “Sadly, Peter is leaving us. However, I would like to thank Peter and Tony for their services to the club and I wish them both the very best for the future.”

Midtable side Waltham Forest are managed by former Slade Green and Greenwich Borough pair Phil Miles, Terry Malin and Ray Bagnell (who coached Fisher Athletic in Blue Square South last season)

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

Thamesmead Town v East Thurrock United

Ryman League Division One North

Saturday 12th December 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 1NJ