Kentish Football 
There will be no quick fix, warns Julian Leigh
Wednesday 26th January 2011
ERITH & BELVEDERE assistant manager Julian Leigh says there will be “no quick fix” to bring success to Park View Road, writes Stephen McCartney.
Manager Micky Collins took the reigns at the beginning of the season and the club are presently sitting in a disappointing tenth place in the Kent League table with 16 points from 11 games, but the Deres do have games in hand.
The Deres were dumped out of the Kent League Cup by VCD Athletic last night. Ricky Bennett’s side clinched a 2-0 win at Park View Road, winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate.
“I think this year when Mick and myself came in, obviously we’ve brought the players in, it was always going to be a year of building,” explained Leigh.
“I had that when I was doing Tonbridge Angels’ reserves and I know it was a lower level but it took two or three years to get a side together with players capable of getting into the top division of the Suburban League.”
On life at Park View Road, Leigh added: “It’s not a quick fix! Anybody who thinks it’s a quick fix, I’m afraid they’re totally wrong!
“I think, yes, it’s a big club, you only have to look around at the surroundings, but no-one has the divine right to be in the Ryman League. Likewise it’s up to us to prove we’re good enough to get into the Ryman League - on the pitch.
“Behind the scenes we’re getting thing sorted, I’d like to think we’re much more professional. Hopefully, hopefully, we’ll get a good finish in the league this year, a nice position and see what next year brings.”
The Deres are sixteen points behind leaders Herne Bay, although they have four games in hand over Simon Halsey’s side.
Playing at a Blue Square Bet South standard ground, Erith & Belvedere have disappointed since dropping out of the Southern League into the Kent League with finishes of fourth, seventh, seventh, eighth, twelve.
Leigh added: “I don’t like the word consolidation to be honest. If someone came along and said you’ll get the points and get promotion, you’d take it! Like all the other managers in this league! There’s no two way about that!
“But let’s be fair, you only have to look at the previous history of the club, the league positions over the last few years and if we can improve on that - I think Mick’s said a top ten finish or something like that is what we’re looking for - then so be it and let’s see what comes after that.”
One side gunning for the Kent League title, Hythe Town, arrive at Park View Road on Saturday.
Scott Porter’s side are fifth in the table with 23 points from 12 games - nine points behind leaders Herne Bay with three games in hand.
Looking forward to the game, Leigh said: “Well, again, it’s all on the day. It all depends what sort of side Hythe turn out - and it’s the same for us!
“We went down there in the FA Cup, they beat u comprehensively 4-1 and we went down there in the league and to be honest we had a weakened side that night and we was a little unfortunate to come away with a 1-0 defeat. We played pretty well that night and deserved something out of it.
“They’ve had a few mixed results recently so it will be an interesting game. I think it will be a good game.”
The Deres welcome Ryman League Division One North side Wingate & Finchley to Park View Road in the quarter-finals of the London Senior Cup next Tuesday.
The Kent side have already beaten Croydon and Croydon Athletic in this competition so far and Leigh will speak to one of Wingate & Finchley’s rivals to prepare for the game.
“A mate of mine (John Coventry) is the manager up at East Thurrock. We made our debts as Ryman League managers when I took over from Tony Dolby on a caretaker basis at Tonbridge Angels,” explained Leigh.
“That was John’s first game in charge at East Thurrock - it was in the FA Trophy - and we’ve stayed in touch ever since.
“I’ve spoken to him about them and I will catch up with him again at the end of this week just to get a little bit more information about them.
“He gave me a brief outline and looking at the report you did on the (Wingate & Finchley versus) Thamesmead game, it was very similar to what he told me.”
The North Londoners defeated Kingsbury London Tigers and Harrow Borough (on penalties) to reach this stage of the competition and the winners will be at home to either Tooting & Mitcham United, Cray Wanderers or Haringey Borough in the semi-finals.
Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk
Erith & Belvedere v Hythe Town
Safety Net Associates Kent League
Saturday 29th January 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd