This battle we are in is a personal one and something we feel we have the tools at our disposal to get us in a better place with the support given by the board, says Tunbridge Wells boss Jason Bourne

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Jason Bourne says he now has the tools to start climbing up the league table.

The Wells are sitting in the bottom three in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having won one and drawn one of their 14 league games.

Tomorrow, they welcome league leaders Beckenham Town to Culverden Stadium and Bourne has been given extra funds to bring Lewis Mingle and Scott Wibley back to the club and to bring in midfielder Jason Thompson from Chatham Town.

Former Bromley Academy centre-half Ola Williams, who has played for Sevenoaks Town and Lewisham Borough already this season, has also signed and Jamie Humphris will make his debut against his former side tomorrow.

“We welcome Beckenham Town to the Culverden Stadium for what is always a great game for both sets of players and supporters,” said Bourne.

“Like last season, Beckenham have built a good side and are challenging for promotion.

“Last years’ games we won two and lost once with only a goal between the two sides in all three fixtures, so although the gulf in league position, I’m sure they come to us knowing they will be in for a hell of a game.

“We hope to have a clean bill of health from the squad, which has yet to happen all season and be selecting a consistent side as much as possible to get some fluidity to our game and results.”

Tunbridge Wells defeated AFC Croydon Athletic 3-0 on 20 October, before losing 1-0 at Chatham Town before they suffered a 5-1 home thrashing at the hands of Erith Town in their last game.

“We played very well against AFC Croydon Athletic, winning 3-0 and against Chatham we lost 1-0 but in a manner that was acceptable as we had chances to take something from the game and every player put a shift in.

“In contrast, the Erith Town game we had six enforced changes to the side and again the performance was very poor as a consequence.”

Bourne has issued a rallying cry to his players and supporters as he fights to turn things around.

“The squad is very close and want to fight for each other all the way,” he said.

“This battle we are in is a personal one and something we feel we have the tools at our disposal to get us in a better place with the support given by the board.

“The additions of Lewis Mingle, Scott Whibley and Jason Thompson over recent weeks has added quality and leadership.

“Football is obviously a results business, which I take on my shoulders but we can all do our bit to make the Culverden a positive place, which will only help bring positive results along the way.

“The crowd has always and will always be our 12^th man at home and it’s my job to get them excited again.

“I have a lot to win over but I love them all like family and when you are where we are unrest is expected but I do believe we can start to get excited again.”

The arrival of Humphris has certainly raised eyebrows as the attacking threat has swapped a promotion battle for one at the foot of the table.

“We have been assured by the League he will be in a Wells shirt ready to start tomorrow, which I’m sure will add something special to the fixture,” added Bourne.

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website:  www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Tunbridge Wells  v  Beckenham Town
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 10 November 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG