Players don't play for me for money, insists O'Brien

Friday 24th July 2009

ALEX O’BRIEN got his managerial career off to a winning start - and insisted that he has no money grabbers at Chatham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

Two goals from Michael Scott, a right-back for England Schoolboys, but playing as an emergency striker sealed a 2-1 win over against Kent Leaguers Holmesdale last night.

“We got our first game out of the way last night and the boys came through with a win, which I was very pleased about,” O’Brien told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Second half we seemed to finish the game stronger than the opposite team and it’s nice to get any game off with a win.”

Praising his two-goal hero, O’Brien added, “He’s a young boy and I put him up front and he scored two goals - and he’s a right back for England Schools.

“It’s good that players can adapt to any situation.”

With former Dartford team-mate, striker Brendon Cass already at Maidstone Road, O’Brien has added goalkeeper Dean Ruddy and the versatile Ray Powell to his ranks.

American goalkeeper Ruddy, who clinched the Ryman League Division One South title with Dover Athletic a couple of season’s ago, has arrived from Blue Square South side Lewes, whilst Powell, who has played for Maidstone United, Dartford and Tonbridge Angels in recent years, has arrived from Ryman League Division One North side, East Thurrock United.

Supporters of other Kent sides must be thinking that the Medway club have found some money hidden underneath the floorboards at Maidstone Road - but O’Brien says his players are not mercenaries.

“I’ve learnt that money doesn’t drive these boys and that’s something very refreshing for me, to come from where the clubs that I‘ve been at,” said O’Brien.

“Not one player has sat me down saying ‘I want this, I’m looking for this and I’m looking for that’.

“The players I’ve brought in want to get back to playing football and liking the game again. Let’s be honest, the players that I’ve got in have not had the greatest of season’s last season and have got points to prove.

“It’s nice to have that in our artillery, where as our players just want to play, rather than how much they want to get out a club.”

Ruddy tasted relegation from the top-flight of non-league football with Lewes last season; Cass endured a season behind the pecking order in Tony Burman’s strike-force at Princes Park; and for Powell, well, playing in Essex cannot be too much fun!

“Dean Ruddy is happy to come and play and as of last night, Razor (Powell) is happy to lend his experience, his fight, and his determination to the club, which on paper are two fantastic signings for us.”

Speaking about his new goalkeeper, O’Brien said: “He won the championship with Dover, he’s a local lad, which makes things even better for us.

“He’s just coming back off a hamstring injury and then he’s going away for a week to the States to set up a soccer school and then he’s back to crack on and work with Dan Ellis because he’s a full time qualified goalkeeper coach as well.”

He added: “He’s saying all the right things, which is lovely to hear. He wants to coach, he wants to play and he wants to win games, which is what I want.

“He’s come in and said the right things straight away and it’s the same with Razor.”

The versatile Powell, who can play at right-back or as a striker, was a fans’ favourite at Longmead Stadium, for his whole-hearted, passionate displays.

“He finished with East Thurrock, where they just got pipped for promotion,” O’Brien said.

“I asked what he wants and expects and he expects that he wants to win games and enjoy his football again and we said to him he’ll do that as long as we win games. That’s what makes things enjoyable and that’s what we’ve set out to do with Razor.”

Speaking about Powell’s versatility, O’Brien added: “Razor is a fantastic option to have. Where ever he’s been he’s played up front and right back and he works really hard.

“I could play him in goal and I know I’m going to get an aggressive person in goal. People doubt Razor, saying he’s a bit too aggressive but you need those players in your side if you want to do well.

“Razor’s been promoted with clubs, he’s played in the (Ryman) Premier League so he can’t be too bad!”

O’Brien takes his side to another Kent Leaguers Norton Sports tomorrow, before a mouth-watering home clash against Ryman Premier League side Maidstone United next Tuesday, 28th July.

“We’ve got Norton Sports which will be another strong test for us,” he warned. “It’s good to get these Kent games out of the way.

“It’ll be very tough and a physical challenge for us I’m sure.

“But it’s nice to get games underway and see what we’ve got in our squad.”

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

Norton Sports v Chatham Town

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 25th July 2009

Kick off 3:00pm

At Woodstock Park FC, Broad Oak Road, Milstead, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AD