This is a club on the up, says Faversham Town boss Ray Turner

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager Ray Turner says expectations levels have increased at the club after hitting new heights last season.

The Lilywhites finished in a personal best of third-place in the Ryman League Division One South last season.

They defeated Hythe Town 3-0 in the semi-finals of the play-offs after scoring three goals in a devastating six minute spell towards the end of the first half, but went down 3-0 in the final away to league runners-up Maidstone United, who sealed promotion along with champions Dulwich Hamlet.

Faversham Town report back for pre-season training on Thursday night and will have one session under their belts before they welcome League Two champions Gillingham to Salters Lane on Saturday.

“It’s just fantastic to start our pre-season programme with the visit of current League Two champions Gillingham,” said Turner, 39.

“I am personally grateful to the management team and the club for coming down to Faversham.

“We are the first club to play them as a League One club and it is an occasion everyone at the club has been looking forward to.”

Turner wants as many Faversham fans to watch their opening pre-season game and wants his side to replicate last season’s efforts.

He said: “We made real progress last season and it is vital we maintain the momentum we built up.

“Crowds were on the up and I must pay tribute to the tremendous support we received.

“This is an exciting game for our supporters and I hope they will turn up in considerable numbers not only to see Gillingham but to show their appreciation for the players’ efforts during last season.

“Although this is a game for the players’ to enjoy it, it’s important we re-set ourselves mentally as soon as possible for the season ahead.

“Last season is a good memory but means nothing now to me.  I am fully preparing for another tough season where expectation levels have been raised and all the players must be ready to embrace that and increase performance levels further.

“This is a club on the up and my personal ambition is continue to see this team develop on the pitch in conjunction with some exciting developments off the field.”

Saturday’s game kicks off at 1:00pm.

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town  v  Gillingham
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 29^th June 2013
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME10 8ND