Kentish Football 
We know it's going to be difficult for us, admits Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon
The club welcome Conference South side Ebbsfleet United for their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday and McMahon is looking forward to showing off the Ryman Premier League club’s new facilities.
The Mead gang finished in third-place in Ryman League Division One North last season and topped off their best ever season by beating Witham Town and Maldon & Tiptree (on penalties) in the play-offs to seal a remarkable promotion.
Ebbsfleet United, who were relegated from the top flight of non-league football at the end of last season, are now only one division above Thamesmead Town.
“They’re the first club coming into the new facilities and hopefully we can get a good crowd,” said McMahon.
“I like a tough first week. I think some of the other clubs that have started have done the same.
“We’re looking forward to it. It will be a tough test for us but every game in the Ryman Premier is going to be tough for us. We’re going to be up for it.”
McMahon says his players are looking in good shape going into their opening game against Steve Brown’s new-look Fleet.
He said: “It’s gone really well. We’ve had four sessions, four very good sessions. I’ve been impressed with the way the lads’ have come back fitness wise and the new lads and some of the trailists’ that we’ve got are looking really good. We’re looking really strong.”
Thamesmead Town will have attacking threats all over the park and McMahon will need to keep at least seven strikers happy.
“We’ve strengthened attacking wise hugely with Jon Main, Michael Power, Theo Fairweather-Johnson, so added together with what we’ve had, Stuart Zanone, Rob Carter, Baaf Addae and Tyrus Gordon. I’m also adding another forward this week.
“We’ve added Stanley Muguo to the centre of midfield and we’ve got another centre half that hopefully we’re signing in the next week or so, with Calum McGeehan.
“All the new lads have bedded well, trained very hard and we’re looking forward to the games to start.”
When asked whether he’s going to play all seven attackers at the same time, McMahon replied, “Of course not! Theo and Shaggy (Power) can drop back into midfield, play wide.
“At this level of football that we’re going into now will be tough with what I’ve seen and the same players won’t play week in, week out.
“There’s lots of different combinations between them. When we play against certain teams they will blend in.
“Whoever’s hungry and scoring goals will play but they’re up for the competition.
"When you see them in training it’s looked good. We’ve looked sharp. We’ve played some good stuff, especially in the attacking options. We haven’t got seven centre forwards, we’ve got seven attacking players and hopefully they’ll all fit in and do well.
“We’re not going to open up and get absolutely picked off. I’m not silly. We know at times we’re going to be playing against good sides, top sides and be up against it.
“I also believe at this level sitting back will send us down. We’ve got to score goals and we’ve got to be able to score against the opposition and put them on the back foot.
“We’ve played sides in the Ryman Premier and know the quality they’ve had and we know we can’t sit back. It’s not like the other league where you can hold onto a 0-0 and nick one in the last five minutes.
“You’ve got to have the percentage of the ball and put the fear into teams and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.
“We know it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to learn as we go along. I’ve got the players who I can change it if I need to.”
McMahon is looking forward to be able to welcome opposition to the new facilities now that the old clubhouse has been demolished, which is making way for a new car park.
“It’s fallen hand in hand,” he said. “The facilities are open, it’s just the car park that needs to be finished, which will be finished in three weeks. There’s a few snagging bits and pieces to do around the ground.
“Everyone has come in and have been overwhelmed by the facilities. Their nice, their new and coupled with that getting in the Ryman Premier for the first time ever the football club is on the way up and has got lots to look forward and be excited about.”
But McMahon believes his side will surprise a few people this season.
“We’re not silly, nor am I. We know it’s going to be difficult for us,” he said.
“We’re a small club, hopefully our gates will go up, but our wage bill compared to most will be small.
“We’re a fighting club and we all sick together. The lads that I’ve got down have come and brought into the ethos of the club and what we’re about in the changing room.
“I know most of them anyway. It just goes to show the kind of calibre of player we’ve got now is how far the club have come on.
“Every game is going to be difficult. There’s no guaranteed three points. We’re going to adapt a positive attitude, hence the signings I’ve done.
“I’m excited. I want to manage at the highest level I can and if it’s with Thamesmead Town, brilliant. If its someone at a higher level, I’d love to.
“We took the club forward so much in the space of five years. We’re still pinching ourselves that we’re in the Ryman Premier. It’s hard to believe, but now we’re getting close and closer we’re starting to focus a little bit more.
“I’m excited with the calibre of players we’ve got and the lads from last year.
“The way the club’s pushing forward, the Trust is getting behind us now. Hopefully we can make the football club exciting and make the locals want to come. I know for a fact a few of the locals have come in and they’ll be there Saturday – we just need to keep them.
“I’m very proud as well with what we’ve achieved and hopefully we can take another step and see where we go.”
Visit Thamesmead Town’s websites: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk & www.pitchero.com/clubs/thamesmeadtown
Thamesmead Town v Ebbsfleet United
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 13th July 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd