Thamesmead Town wait 12 weeks for planning permission to build their "Mini-Dartford" - EXCLUSIVE

Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon goes into their FA Carlsberg Vase showdown with their Kent League rivals Greenwich Borough on Saturday, with no grounds for concern, writes Stephen McCartney.

Not only he has a full strength squad to pick from for the second round clash, their ground development at Bayliss Avenue is getting underway - described as "a Mini-Dartford".

“We had a meeting today with the Trust (Thamesmead), Bexley Council, Charlton Athletic,” revealed manager Keith McMahon, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“We’re just finishing off the Football Development plan. We have a meeting next Tuesday with the Football Foundation.

“The planning permission was submitted in the beginning of October, so we should be hearing something in a few weeks from Bexley Council, but things are good there.

“It’s just the funding, certain monies are in place, but we can’t apply for funding from the Football Foundation until we get planning permission.

“Once that’s in, and we get the planning permission, the application for the Football Foundation will be in.

“I’m sure it’s twelve weeks before we get a decision.”

“We’re talking the whole project is (costing) just over £4m. The (Thamesmead) Trust is putting in a big amount and £1m from the Football Foundation.

“If it goes to plan, it will be ready for 2009 - at the end of next season.”

McMahon is confident that this news will spur on his side into the third round - the last 64.

“The Vase is a good competition to be in and we are looking forward to it,” said McMahon, whose side are currently leading the Kent League table on goal difference, although Mead have three games in hand over Beckenham Town.

“Home advantage is good but our pitch will suit them more than their own pitch I think - Greenwich are a good side,” he warned.

“It’s going to be really hard. Greenwich are one of the top sides in our league.”

McMahon, however, feels his side are capable of having an extended run in the FA Vase competition.

He said: “But if we get through then we’ll see who we get, but I think I’ve got a side that can go a long way, but you need a bit of luck.

“We’ve got good experience this year as well as youth, but I think we need a lot of home draws, if I’m honest.”

McMahon had “no complaints” following their first Kent League defeat of the season last Saturday - a 4-2 defeat at Erith & Belvedere.

He added: “We were really on a good run and playing well, maybe takes a little bit of pressure of.

“Erith & Belvedere played well, got no complaints but at the end of the day, we’re still in a really good position.

“If anyone asked me, I would have taken a defeat and a draw from our first eleven league games.”

Despite both clubs being poorly supported, McMahon urges neutrals to come and watch this match.

“Greenwich have got certain problems, off the pitch, which is a shame,” he explained, when speaking about the poor crowds that the Eltham based club get at Harrow Meadow.

“Like us, they haven’t got a huge amount of support, it’s a shame, but it’s the FA Vase.

“The neutrals who like the FA Vase should come and watch it - it should be a good game between two footballing sides.”


View Thamesmead Town’s plans by visiting www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Thamesmead Town v Greenwich Borough
FA Carlsberg Vase Second Round
Saturday 17^th November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ