We have to carry on where we left off - Abbott

Wednesday 20th January 2010

SITTINGBOURNE boss Gary Abbott says not having any money at his disposal will not deter him in aiming to clinch a play-off place at the end of the season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Abbott admits to feeling frustrated with his side’s lack of games due to the wintry weather recently, and will need all his players fit and raring to go for the rigours ahead.

Sittingbourne are presently sitting in 12th place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 28 points from 18 games but are only eight points behind fifth-placed side, big-spending Croydon Athletic.

Sittingbourne have had their last seven games postponed because of unfit pitches, but Abbott, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, says he wants to continue where his side left off before the wintry spell when Corinthian-Casuals visit Bourne Park at the weekend.

“We had a good start to December and then with the snow it stopped us in our path as we had three good wins, which was what I asked the boys over Christmas,” said Abbott.

“I think we’ve had seven games called off in that space of time, points wise, you can’t tell how many you’re going to get.

“It’s frustrating, but you’ve had to get on with it like everyone else. We’ve managed to train as well, so it’s just the match fitness that we haven’t got at the moment.

“It will be tough Saturday but it’s tough for everyone as we haven’t had any games.

“When the snow first came down we had two weeks off because we couldn’t get anywhere. That two week break is like a winter break but we’ve been training for the last couple of weeks - we’ve managed to get places to train - and we’re getting prepared for Saturday and hopefully we’ll go out really positive, playing quick football and hopefully we can get three points again.”

With such a number of games to squeeze in between now and the end of the season (24th April), Abbott knows his squad will be stretched to the limit.

He said: “I think we’ve got 24 games left now, we’re at the end of January and we’re going to have games right up to the end of the season now once they’ve all been fitted in.

“We’ve got Corinthian-Casuals on Saturday and then we go to Met Police on Tuesday, which will obviously be a tough game, but the way we’ve been playing, the boys believe in themselves, they know that I believe in them as well and we can have a right go.”

Abbott, meanwhile, says his hands are tied when it comes to being in a position to add numbers to his threadbare squad.

“We’re not the only club without any money,” he said. “Going on by what everyone else gets we’re probably one of the lowest budgets (in the division).

“I’ve never made any excuses that I can’t get any players in because of the money. I look at it like a challenge to me. I believe in the players and the players are good enough to get into the play-off’s.

“Teams don’t like playing us because we work hard. The boys know if they don’t work hard they won’t get anything out of it.

“Obviously you’d like a couple of experienced players in there but I know it’s not going to happen so I’m not really going to get frustrated.”

“I’m happy with the team,” he added. “We haven’t got a big squad, with a few youngsters on the bench. I’m happy with it. The only thing I’m worried about is if we get injuries or suspensions, which is going to hurt us.

“I’m not going to try and sign anyone because I can’t. I know the score when it comes to the money side of it.

“I’m going to get my head down and see where it takes us. I look at it as a challenge against all these clubs with money.”

Despite his restraints, Abbott is confident that his side can clinch a play-off place.

“Of course we can!” he insisted. “I believe we can, the boys believe we can and I’m looking at that fifth spot.

“If I miss out again I’d be really gutted.”

“I’ve got boys there who are going to work hard, want to learn and want to play football. That’s what we’re all about. It’s going well so far but we’ve got to win our games in hand, which is going to be difficult.

“But we’ll give it 150% every game we’ve got. The boys have worked hard in training so they’re still quite fit. We’ll have a training session tomorrow and have a go at Corinthian-Casuals on Saturday.”

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

Sittingbourne v Corinthian-Casuals

Ryman League Division One South

Saturday 29th January 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB