We just have to react at Concord Rangers, says Cray Wanderers boss Ian Jenkins

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins says he wants his side to bounce back in a positive manner after losing their opening league game of the new season, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Wands went down to a 5-2 home defeat to AFC Hornchurch at Hayes Lane yesterday, with striker Leigh Bremner scoring twice, and as a result have slumped to the foot of the Ryman Premier League table.

But Jenkins, who takes his side to Canvey Island to play Concord Rangers on Tuesday night, is not panicking.

“Look at what we done last year, four points off (the play-off’s) and we lost one at Hornchurch at the first game of the season,” reflected the long-serving boss.

“Whether you lose seven-nil, eight-nil, ten-nil, one-nil, you ain’t got no points, ain’t you, so after one game we’re exactly the same place as we was last year – no points on the board!”

Concord Rangers also lost their opening game to Hendon, but Jenkins knows it’s crucial to get their season up and running.

He said: “We’ll go there strong.  I watched Concord on Saturday, they’re a good side, they were last year and we just have to react.  It’s one of them now. 

“The players’ aren’t happy, are they, I’m not happy (about losing to Hornchurch), the players’ can’t be happy with that result and performance so hopefully we’ll go there Tuesday and be nice and solid at the back.

“Going forward we’re a match for anyone. We’ll definitely score goals.”

Meanwhile, assistant manager, Joe Francis celebrates his tenth anniversary at the club.

Jovial Francis, whose previous clubs include Charlton Athletic, Welling United, Bromley, Enfield, Hayes and Cray Wanderers, has played a major part in the club’s success in recent years.

Jenkins said: “He’s fantastic!  Without Joe at the club we wouldn’t be where we are now.  We bounce off each other really well and Blado (Paul Blade).  It’s a good threesome really and long may it continue and long may we go higher up in the league’s and stick together.  He’s a top coach, one of the best in the league.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk  

Concord Rangers  v  Cray Wanderers
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 23^rd August 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0HH