O'Brien will be a success, insists Binks

Monday 18th May 2009

EX-MANAGER Steve Binks insists Alex O’Brien will be a success in his first managerial role at Ryman League Division One (North or South) club Chatham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

Binks and his assistant Steve Best stepped down from their roles at Maidstone Road on Friday, to be replaced by O’Brien and Lew Watts.

Midfield rock O’Brien played under Binks last season, whilst on loan from Dartford, and defender Watts played against Chats for Thamesmead Town in Ryman League Division One North last season, and has played for numerous Kent clubs during his career.

Despite moving upstairs into a director of football role, Binks gave O’Brien’s appointment the thumps up.

“Alex O’Brien is going to be a good manager,” insisted Binks, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“He’s got lots of enthusiasm, a lot pf passion, he’s got the players behind him and a lot of respect from the players and he’s proved his worth on the training ground in the last couple of months (that) he can move the club forward.”

Binks, who explained his new role, says both O’Brien and Watts will play for the club next season.

“Make of it what you will,” he replied. “I’m there to help Alex in any way I can. They’re going to sign on as players so I may need to help out in the dressing room and the dug-out.

“I’ll be there and try and help and advise Alex in any way I can.”

O’Brien’s upbeat attitude will stand him in good stead to become a very good manager.

And Binks agreed, “He’s a winner. He hates losing, like we all do I suppose, and I think he’ll go that extra bit to get the best out of players.

“I think we’re excited about him taking charge. I think it’s a good appointment for the club.

“I think he’ll maybe attract one or two players, he’s got a very good reputation in the game, a lot of contacts.”

Having completed their Ryman One North campaign with a twelve match unbeaten run, Binks believes the new management pair won’t need to many too many changes to team personnel.

“I don’t think we’re a million miles away from having a good squad anyway,” said Binks.

“We finished really well last year, it just needed a bit of tweaking. You can always improve any side. We’re looking to bring in one or two players to help improve the side, so hoping Alex can help us do that.”

When asked about summer movements out of Maidstone Road, Binks added, “No one’s leaving as far as we know, hopefully everybody will stay.

“We’re having a nice family Barbeque soon in June so hopefully it will be a day to get all the players together and get them signed on for next season.

“I think there may be one or two players that will drift away if they don’t feel they’re in the main plans, in the main squad - everybody will be given their chance.”

The Medway club, and for those Football Association representatives reading this article, Medway is in Kent and NOT Essex, insist they want to move back to where they belong - Ryman League Division One SOUTH.

“We’re looking forward to when the new leagues are announced, hopefully we’ll get a few Kent derbies, obviously we hope we go into the South,” added the new director of football.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net