Things have been very frustrating for us in terms of the new development, admits Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN manager Keith McMahon has spoken about his continued frustration with the delay to open the new facilities at Bayliss Avenue.

It was hoped that the new stand and facilities would be ready for yesterday’s opening pre-season friendly against Dartford, but the green and white seating installed in the new main stand is a sign of slow progress.

McMahon revealed the latest situation in his programme notes.

“I have been busy trying to assemble a squad to mount a serious challenge for promotion this year.  I haven’t stopped working for the club on and off the pitch and apart from a few long weekends nothing has changed for me.

“Off the pitch, things have been very frustrating for us in terms of the new development. As you can see it isn’t quite finished yet. We have been given numerous dates of completion and today was meant to be our first game in the new building, but delays again have occurred and it looks as it now we will be moving in, in mid- September, but who knows.

“It may look as if not much has happened, but inside the building things have developed. The changing rooms are nearly finished as is most of the building. Some flooring needs putting down in the bar areas and committee rooms and then all the electrical equipment needs to be installed.

“A lot of areas around the building have been cleared and it really is the demolishing of the old clubhouse then the surfacing of the car park and we are there, so hopefully it won’t be too long.”

The Ryman League Division One North side certainly matched their newly-promoted neighbours Dartford yesterday.  The Blue Square Bet (Conference) Premier side won the game 2-0, courtesy of first half goals from trialist striker Donovan Simmonds, who was released by Dover Athletic at the end of last season, and midfielder James Rogers.

Thamesmead Town, meanwhile, impressed and things could have been different had they taken a couple of early chances.

McMahon’s side continue their pre-season preparation when Leatherhead, who were relegated from the Ryman Premier League last season, visit Bayliss Avenue on Thursday, before Simon Austin brings his Canterbury City side next Saturday.

“It will be nice to get a win under our belts,” said McMahon. 

“Leatherhead are a decent side. They dropped down from the Ryman Premier.  We showed we can be a match for most sides, especially at our level if we play well.”

When asked what he wants to get out of the game, McMahon replied, “Again, more minutes under our belts, no injuries.  It’s about more bedding in with the new lads. We’ll have another look at a couple more trailists’.  We’ve got a few missing as well.

“The same against Canterbury. I think they will be a strong Kent League side this year, but I’m expecting us to maybe have that little bit more class and hopefully get a couple of wins under our belt.”

When asked whether he knows his starting eleven for their opening league game, away to Witham Town on 18 August, McMahon replied, “Yes, I would say 95% sure.  There could be one or two places available.  We’ve got ten pre-season games for people to stake a claim.

“I went out early and signed a lot of players but there’s still a long way to go in pre-season.  You always get people released from decent clubs and whatever and if someone pops up, I’m nearly there.

“I’m pretty sure what I’ve seen today (against Dartford), I’m even more sure if the season started tomorrow I’ll know who I’d go with.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk  

Thamesmead Town  v  Leatherhead
Pre-Season Friendly
Thursday 19 July 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ