My aims for next season first and foremost is promotion, says newly-appointed Otford United manager Ricky Tompkins

OTFORD UNITED’S newly-appointed manager Ricky Tompkins says the club are planning to enhance ground improvements to earn promotion.

 

The club play at the Recreation Ground on Otford High Street but are unique for a Kent County League club as they have floodlights at their ground as well as a pavilion that houses dressing rooms and a small bar.

Defender Tompkins, 30, has decided to leave Sporting Club Thamesmead FC (the artist known as Seven Acre & Sidcup last season) to take his first managerial job.

He brings with him Evran Mehmet, who was Seven Acre & Sidcup’s reserve team manager last season, while Millwall Academy coach Dan Elliott will bring a professional feel to the NRG Gym Kent County League Division One West club next season.

“I’m very excited to be taking over Otford United,” said Tompkins, whose former clubs also include Deal Town, Meridian, Woodstock Sports after starting in the youth ranks at both Charlton Athletic and Dartford.

“The club is built around the community and have fantastic people on board as well as one of the best facilities in the league.”

Tompkins says he’s feeling “very excited” about his management team after being appointed the clubs new manager today.

He said: “I have Evran Mehmet, who will be assistant manager. He has great enthusiasm and a fantastic attitude towards the game.

“First team coach will be Dan Elliott, who has previously coached reserve and first team at Seven Acre & Sidcup and current Millwall Academy coach.  He has also shadowed Tony Russell at Cray Wanderers for a season. He’s a young coach and very committed and delivers a professional approach.”

Tompkins says he is keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of which players will drop down two divisions to play for Otford United next season.

“I don’t really want to comment what players will be coming in but put it this way there are a few Invicta League players on the radar and what talent is already at this club and we are looking to be a strong outfit for the upcoming season,” he said.

“My aims for next season first and foremost is promotion. I think with the team we have and facilities the club have on offer there’s no reason why we can’t achieve this.

“We are also going to be looking to develop our youth system by the end of the season and bring though youngsters to push into the first team.”

Otford United are halfway there in terms of facilities to stage Step Six football at their ground.

Tompkins added: “The club’s plan are to push on this year and get into the Southern Counties East Football League First Division as soon as possible.

“The ground currently has floodlights and are looking to push on for dug-outs and pathways this season.  The changing rooms will have a makeover and a fresh feel for the club.”

Pre-season trails take place at the club on Saturday 25 June starting at 10:00 and interested players should contact Ricky Tompkins on 07852 210 5431, while the club are also on the lookout for sponsors and a physio.

Visit Otford United’s website: http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/otfordunited/Home