We'll get better as the season goes on, says VCD Athletic boss Tony Russell

VCD ATHLETIC manager Tony Russell says he is expecting a tough top-of-the-table clash against Aveley on Saturday.


The Vickers’ were promoted as Kent League runners-up last season and have returned to the Ryman League Division One North following their controversial demotion from that division three years’ ago due to failing ground grading criteria.

Russell, 34, has guided his side to second in the table after coming away from Waltham Forest’s Wadham Lodge home with a 5-0 victory on the opening day, before coming twice from behind to beat Tilbury 3-2 at Oakwood on Tuesday night.

Aveley travel over Dartford Bridge sitting at the top of the table after beating Wroxham (6-2) and Redbridge (2-1) in their opening week and will prove to be a test for Russell’s side.

Russell has revealed he will be without striker Sherwin Stanley who is away on a stag-do and hopes to bring in fresh blood in time of the game.

“We’ve got Aveley Saturday and disaster Sherwin is not there Saturday,” revealed Russell.

“I’ve got no forwards, I’m trying to get one in on loan. I’m desperate.

“I’ve watched them. They’re a good side. They’re one of the favourites.  If we can try and nick something out of the game and then we’ll let the cavalry arrive. 

“Tough one. I went to watch them the other week against Hornchurch and they’re really lively.

“But our problem is at the moment we’ve got one forward and that’s Sherwin and he ain’t there! It’s a bit of a worry but I’ll be on the phone to beg, steal and borrow.”

Russell has a very professional outlook and always does his homework on opposing teams and has asked Thamesmead Town manager Keith McMahon – who spent five years in the division before promotion last season – for his knowledge on teams.

“I’ve watched the league and I pick Keith McMahon’s brain,” said Russell. “I ask him about how people set-up.  I had Aveley watched on Saturday and Waltham Forest so we’re trying to do things right so we can get our tactics right.

“I played in the South with Cray Wanderers so I don’t really know the North so I went to Aveley and watched them and I’m being told they’re one of the favourites and they looked lively enough. The three boys up top look lively but we’re not scared of them. If I had my full strength side out I’ve got no worries.

“I just need a bit of luck with one or two (transfer targets) I’m in for and if I can get them in for Saturday then we’ll have a go at it.”

When asked whether the Crayford-based side can push for a play-off place – after finishing in eighth-place in their one previous season in the division – Russell said:  “We’re trying to do the best we can.  That’s what I said to the boys. I will do everything I can. I’ll do the research on everyone and do the game plans and we’ll see where we go.

“We’ll get better as the season goes on so I’m delighted to get six points on the board.

“The chairman’s talking to me and he wants to get it out of me what I think and what we can do.  If we can get to Christmas and get in amongst it, get in maybe the top six or seven, I think we’ll come good.”

Russell revealed he is working with the same budget as he had in the Kent League last season.

Russell said: “It’s not much I can do. It is what it is.  I’m honest with the boys. I said if I had it I’d give it to you but I haven’t but what you need to do is find players who just want to play football.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website: www.vcdathletic.co.uk

VCD Athletic  v  Aveley
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 17^th August 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN