Kentish Football 
Thamesmead boss Keith McMahon signs striker Danny Crouch on dual registration from Dartford
Wednesday 18th August 2010
THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says he is relishing taking his side to newly promoted Needham Market on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Mead boss has been impressed with his side during pre-season and takes his side to the Ridgeons League champions on the opening day of the Ryman League Division One North season.
“It’s been a long time to be fair, all the other leagues have started around us and we’re all ready and firing to go and we’re all looking forward to the season this year,” McMahon told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game at Bloomfields, McMahon is looking forward to a stern test.
“I’m expecting a tough game,” he said. “They’re one of the favourites, they’ve gone up and anybody whose run the Ridgeons League are a good side. They’ve had good FA Vase runs recently, they’re a footballing side. I know their pitch is decent but I’m expecting a very tough game but one I believe we can get something from.”
McMahon has brought some quality players over the summer months and many will make their debuts in Suffolk at the weekend.
He said: “We’ve brought in some very good players, some with more experience and with a bit of class. I’ve managed to bring in Danny Crouch (who arrives on a dual registration from Dartford) and he gives us a little bit more firepower up front, which is good and possibly one more before Saturday.
“We’ve managed to entice some good players to the squad on not huge money because of what we done last year and what’s going on down at the club.”
Thamesmead’s first home game of the season is against Brentwood Town next Tuesday.
McMahon said: “It’s another tough game. Brentwood have improved, they’ve got some good players and I tried to sign one or two of them over the last year or so.
“They had a bit of a blip last year, they finished runners-up the year before. I think it’s the strongest division we’ve had for some years. It’s open with eight or nine sides that could win it and Brentwood are one.
“It’s going to be tough but again something we’re looking to deal with. I think we’re going to be in the hunt. Again, all tough games, like last year, but one we can possibly could win.”
When asked about his aspirations for the season ahead, McMahon replied, “There was a big buzz last year and we had a side good enough to get into the play-off’s and we fell away in the end and that hurt us to be fair.
“All the players signed before pre-season with the exception of one and they all want to have a crack this year. I’ve improved the squad this year and our pre-season form - apart from one or two games - has been good.
“We’ve played a lot of Ryman League sides from the South (division) and to be fair we’ve absolutely wiped the floor with them apart from one. We’re buzzing and I think we can compete this year.”
Ryan Briggs (groin), Danny Moore (dead leg), James Brown (groin), Lea Dawson (hernia) and Bradley Spice (who hasn’t featured at all during pre-season) are causing concern for McMahon ahead of the big kick-off.
Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk
Needham Market v Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 21st August 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bloomfields, Quinton Road, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8DA
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd