I've got to make sure that I've got a squad that's going to challenge for the title, says Snodland Town's new boss Aaron Perry

NEWLY APPOINTED manager Aaron Perry says he has got a big job on his hands to guide Snodland Town into the Kent Invicta League in a year’s time.

 

The 31-year-old was appointed as the club’s new manager today after the Potyns Field outfit finished in ninth-place in the NRG Gym Kent County League Premier Division last season.



Snodland Town have unveiled former Ramsgate, Margate and Sittingbourne coach Aaron Perry as their new manager today.

Snodland Town secretary Tony Reeves revealed at the start of May that the club have some big plans but were relying on a rich benefactor to come in and pump money into the club.

Snodland Town play one level underneath the Kent Invicta League and Mr Reeves revealed that it would cost at least £220,000 to get the ground up to standard for that level of football.

Snodland play on one of three full-sized pitches and their ground is pretty basic at present.

There is hard standing along the far side of the pitch, two dug-outs and a local company have donated the club pitch perimeter fencing around all four sides of the pitch which is more suitable to horse racing than football.

Kent Invicta League club Lewisham Borough have the same type of fencing alongside one side of their pitch at the Ladywell Arena.

The ground is fully enclosed by a green fence and the club use the changing room facilities at an adjacent community centre. There is a bar there, however, the football club have been unable to use it.

But the club have plans to build their own clubhouse and dressing rooms, install a 100-seater stand and floodlights, which will give them the chance to progress to the Kent Invicta League.

“It’s a big job to be honest,” admitted Perry, who left league rivals Tudor Sports last November.

“When we spoke about the job, the club have got massive plans with the ground etc.  They want to be in the Invicta League, so yes, it’s a big job.

“When we had the meeting, they pointed out about the ground development, how they’re trying to move forward.  For any manager wants to be involved in a big job like that. Now it’s a job for myself and Rory McInally, my assistant, to get it right on the pitch with people working hard off the pitch.”

When asked about his aspirations for next season, Perry replied: “I think it’s a big aspiration! We’ve set a standard before in previous clubs we’ve been in as a player and as a manager. I’ve always said we set a standard and it’s like anything, players look to a manager of a club and set a standard.

“We’re looking to challenge, we expect to have a right go at it.

“We’ve got some big players coming in that have Kent League and Ryman League experience to come in with us.”

When asked about his last job, at Tudor Sports, Perry said: “It was good! I left in November, we were third when I left as you can see by the table where they finished in the bottom three, but hey, I had a good time at Tudor.

“It was my first job in the Kent County Prem and it was a learning curve to what I did there but everyone was great for me there.

“This job at Snodland is a different job altogether.

“Snodland want to move forward, get into the Invicta League or go higher and as a manager that’s all you can ask for a football club.

“I think we’re going to attract big players from my own contacts that I’ve had in the Ryman or wherever else.

“We’ve already spoken to six, seven or eight players and we’ve already done a couple of signings, obviously not on paper because the forms aren’t out yet, who played in Ryman One last year and we’re delighted and we haven’t even kicked a ball yet.”

Perry revealed that former Sittingbourne striker David Abe has verbally agreed to drop three levels to play for Snodland Town next season.

He said: “The first signing we’ve got is David Abe, who was at Sittingbourne last year. It’s a big coup.  His brother as well is coming. I haven’t spoken to his brother directly yet, I’ve only spoken to David. I’m convinced his brother will sign as well.

“Connor McInally, who was at Tudor Sports for the last seven seasons, is also signing.”

Perry added: “We haven’t got a budget – I wish we had a budget, which will be nice – but you know what it’s like when you have a big budget then you’re straight under pressure.

“I want players who want to play for the club and who want to move the club forward.

“To be fair to the boys who were struggling at Snodland last year, I’ll say clearly, all the boys who were there will get a fair crack and no one will be judged on anything that went on last year.

“All I’ve got to make sure is when the season starts I’ve got a first team squad that’s going to challenge for the title.”

Visit Snodland Town’s website: www.snodlandtownfc.co.uk