We have a lot to live up to, admits Firkins

Friday 07th August 2009

GREENWICH BOROUGH boss Steve Firkins is pleased that he has a team to manage this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Boro’ were forced out of their modest Harrow Meadow ground at Eltham at the end of last season as the land was sold by the local council for new housing.

However, all was not lost, as a new board were formed and a three-year groundshare arrangement was secured with Bromley based Holmesdale.

Firkins, who takes his side to Deal Town for their opening Bulmers Cider Kent League game tomorrow afternoon, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk, “For me the pre-season has been and gone too quick this year.

“We have been working very hard since our last game of the season to ensure that we had a club this year and that the Kent League didn’t have to suffer another casualty like Slade Green.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Billy Walton and Gerry Cox, my two assistants this year, who have put a lot of their time and effort into getting the club up and running, not just out on the training pitch, but with sponsors and possible investors too.

“It’s a new beginning for the club and we have had to start from scratch and the hardest part was finding the financial backing we needed to survive.

“This has been achieved solely by all involved having to dig deep and literally put our money were our mouths are!

“I would also like to thank our new chairman (Devon Hanson) and vice-chairman (Kevin Marley) for showing their faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Borough.”

Looking ahead to on-the-pitch matters, and their trip to Deal, Firkins knows his side have a lot to live up to after last season’s heroics, against all odds.

“We have been fortunate to keep the core of last season’s squad,” said Firkins. “I’d like to thank those lads for showing their loyalty and belief in what we are doing.

“It would have been very easy for them to take the easy option and find an established club, but they have stayed true.

“We have managed to bring in a few new faces and it looks like we will be going with a 20 to 22 man squad.

“After finishing third last year, we obviously have a lot to live up to and to remain in the top five of this division we have to be a lot more consistent with our form.

“Hopefully with having a decent sized squad that will keep all the lads on their toes and competition for places will be strong.”

Firkins, who also doubles up as club secretary, added, “I’d also like the team to do a lot better in the cup competitions this season. We didn’t get past the first round in both competitions last year and that was disappointing, so we are looking to improve on that this year.”

Deal Town v Greenwich Borough

Bulmers Cider Kent League

Saturday 8th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent