We are sitting ok in the league, says Sittingbourne boss Nick Davis

Thursday 27th November 2014

SITTINGBOURNE manager Nick Davis says he will slot in to the heart of defence for their trip to Carshalton Athletic on Saturday.

The Brickies travel to Colston Avenue sitting in ninth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, having collected nine wins, five draws and eight defeats this season.

Sittingbourne are two points adrift of the play-off places, while Carshalton sit in the bottom six, with 22 points from 21 games.

Davis said: “We are away to Carshalton, big non-league club. I’ve had a report about them but now they have a new manager (Rob Scantlebury) and losing last week there could be some changes as he wants to impress and stamp his authority in his first home game in charge.

“I will take my young side and try and make us hard to break down as we have been in the last three league games, then hopefully cause them enough problems to get a result.

“My philosophy was always to stop us conceding, build from the back first, have that solid foundation and then the goals would come.

“Having said young, I think I have just knocked the average age up by a year or two as I will be playing Saturday as three of the regular back four are not available.

“With the return of Joe Nwoko and Stephen Okoh at last week’s game, it gives us that pace that defences fear the most and after the lengthy lay-off they have both had, they will get sharper with every minute back playing.”

Sittingbourne have enticed former Sevenoaks Town and Tunbridge Wells striker Harry Smith, 19, back to the club.

Davis said: “I have had a number of the squad who had left previously ask to return and one of which who I’m delighted to announce has re-signed.

“I am a massive admirer of Harry Smith and as I told him if he gets his head down and works hard he could honestly play as high as he wants. He’s six foot five, 19 and he has all the attributes.

“Scoring 20 odd goals last year in what was then a struggling Sevenoaks side was a great achievement.

“I really believe in him and hope to be working and helping him for the next couple of years.

“I also felt we needed a plan B and with pitches getting heavier it gives us that option to go a little longer and get our quick lads around him.”

Reflecting on their league position, Davis, who played for Southern Counties East Football League side Tunbridge Wells, after resigning as Sittingbourne boss, says there’s plenty to play for.

He said: “We are sitting ok in the league, a couple of results good or bad could push you either way really and the games up to and around Christmas will have a big bearing in where we might finish.

“What I can honestly say - and I have spoken to my players about this - I have only approached one player as I owed it to the ones in that changing room who stood loyal to the club to do the business.

“It’s not to say I have had over a dozen requests from players wanting to get involved in what we’re doing.”

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Carshalton Athletic v Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 29^th November 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PN