THE BIG KICK OFF: Cosgrove insists Deres will win Kent League crown

"We have lost a few players from last year but acquired two or three, so we are not too down hearted at the one’s we have lost.

“The new players and the existing squad have worked hard over the past few weeks and we are confident that the team has the strength to compete with the best sides and hopefully have a good season.”

The former Slade Green joint-manager is looking for improvement this term.

He said: “Maybe last year we over achieved by finishing joint fifth, but our aim is to consolidate and continue with the forward movement of this football club.

“If we finish in the top half, then we will be more than happy.”

And Miles believes they will plenty of shocks during the Kent League campaign.

“We have a very tough opening six games, although saying that, we believe that this season especially, will see many teams upsetting the so-called better and bigger sides,” he predicted.

“There has been a lot of player movement during the summer, a few players from higher levels have dropped into the league, so that can only make the competition stronger.

“This season will be very interesting, I think that the league is quite open.”

Speaking about their opening game against Derek Hares’ side, the Borough boss said: “Deal is always a tough place to go and it will be a good test for our new players and the side in general.

“We have had a positive pre-season but you can’t practice or experience what you get when three points are on offer.

“All of our pre-season games have had a good tempo and aggression about them, so that’s been pleasing.

“We believe we are as ready as we can be for what lies ahead.”

Meanwhile, Dave Waters, has re-signed for the Harrow Meadow outfit tonight, following his pre-season stint with Ryman League Division One South club, Dulwich Hamlet.

Chris Cosgrove, the joint-manager of Erith & Belvedere, has given Kent League newcomers Holmesdale some motivational ammunition for Saturday’s game, by insisting the Deres are going to win the Kent League this season.

Cosgrove takes his title chasing side to Oakley Road in Bromley on Saturday, looking to spoil the Dalers’ Kent League debut.

“I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t win it, very disappointed” Cosgrove said of his side’s chances this season.

“Nothing else but winning it is going through my mind at the moment,” he told www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk.

“That’s what we are all looking at - winning it. Anything else will be a massive disappointment.

“But I also realise it’s going to be tough. There are some good teams in the league this season and I know we are going to have to be at the top of our game from the start.

“If we don’t win it, I will think I’ve failed, and I don’t like failing.”

Herne Bay chairman, Mr John Bathurst, is looking forward to starting their Kent League campaign, at Greatness Park, against Sevenoaks Town.

Jason Lillis has lost Sam Denly and Steven Lloyd to their Ryman League neighbours, Whitstable Town, whilst defender, Gary Cook has signed for Kent League rivals, VCD Athletic.

“Very disappointed that Sam and Steve decided to choose to play for the old enemy Whitstable, although I can understand they want to play at a higher level,” Mr Bathurst told www.hernebayfc.net.

"Still that’s history now and we just have to get on with it.”

Plenty of youngsters, however, have been given their chance to impress at Winch’s Field.

“With the movement of players, Jason has taken the opportunity to introduce a number of new faces, and some older faces - these include a number of very promising youngsters drafted in from the under 16’s,” revealed Mr Bathurst.

Two players that have impressed in the friendlies are full-back, Luke Potter and goalkeeper, Shaun Smith.

“Both have produced stunning performances for ones so young,” praised the chairman, adding, “It really does bode well for the season and the future.”

On the club’s aspirations, Mr Bathurst, said: “I must admit, if I was honest, I had severe reservations about how we would perform this season.

“The old adage “you win nothing with kids” may come back to haunt me, but I do believe we have made the right direction and these kids will, in the seasons to come, provide the nucleus of a very strong club.

“It will be interesting to see how we fare against the likely strong teams in the league, Croydon, Thamesmead, VCD, Greenwich Borough and Erith & Belvedere.

“We will soon know as Thamesmead visit us for our first league home fixture at the end of the month.

“On the strength of the friendly matches played, I believe that we will surprise a lot of teams this year.

“The football being played is a joy to behold; slick; positive passing and quick counter-attacks.

“Let’s hope this continues through the season. It is much more enjoyable to watch regardless of the result.

Herne Bay will be pinning their strike force on Luke Harvey and Aaron Firth.

“These two are starting to form a great understanding and once they play together on a regular basis, I am sure they will give the Kent League defenders a lot of problems with their speed and eye for goal,” warned Mr Bathurst.

Dave Soutan has taken over as captain of the side, having bagged the club player and players’ player of the year last season.

Mr Bathurst added: “A very loyal member of the club and has only missed two games in the last two seasons.”

Goalkeeper Jack Delo has pledged his allegiance to the club, and Mr Bathurst said: “There were loads of rumours throughout the closed season about who Jack was going to play for, but he remained loyal and signed up for another season.

“He will be pushed very hard for his place by Shaun Smith but I am sure Jack will relish the challenge.”

Under 18 star, Ben Brown, will be granted his chance in midfield. “This promise to be a great year for Ben,” said Mr Bathurst. “He has got so much to offer and I believe he will become one of our best players.”

Lillis has snapped up Andy Forster and Aaron Burrett from Lordswood, Allan Scott from Dorset outfit, Hamworthy United, Ben Smith and Toby Roy from Whitstable and Reggie Oliver.

The chairman added: “I just hope we start the season better than we did last year. A good winning start will bring confidence to all the players and the club.”

Slade Green boss Peter Little has made a further addition to his squad ahead of Saturday’s Kent League opener with Sporting Bengal United at the Small Glen.

Midfielder Jimmy Beauchamp has arrived on loan from Ryman League Division One South outfit, Cray Wanderers.

But the Green have had the worst possible pre-season campaign, crashing to embarrassing defeats to Frenford (2-4), Mauritius Sports & Penant (0-1) and Crockenhill (2-5).

Slade Green did, however, beat Bromley Sports (2-1) and local side Running Horses by ten goals to nil - and played out a goalless draw against Chatham Town’s reserve side.

Club Spokesman, Mr Robert Smith, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk:  “Peter Little is not overly concerned.”

Adam Morrish, Lee Barber and Shaun Malyon are all expected to be fit to play against the Tigers on Saturday, having missed their midweek defeat against Crockenhill.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk are covering the opening week of the Kent League campaign:-

Saturday 11^th August 2007
THAMESMEAD TOWN v CROYDON
3pm - at Bayliss Avenue

Tuesday 14^th August 2007
ERITH & BELVEDERE v SLADE GREEN
7:45pm - at Park View Road, Welling