We'll give cash Kings a run for their money, vows Abbott

SITTINGBOURNE manager Gary Abbott feels his side can upset Kingstonian on the opening day of the Ryman League Division One South season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The cash-strapped Brickies welcome Kingstonian to Bourne Park on Saturday and Abbott is confident his side can get their season off to a winning start.

Kingstonian have this week unveiled the signing of midfielder/striker Tony Bedeau, 29, from Blue Square Premier side Torquay United. Bedeau made his professional debut in 1995 at the age of 16 and played in the Football League until 2007 and is a full Grenada international.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” Abbott admitted, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  tonight. We’ve had them watched, I think they’ve signed two more players.

“I want them to worry about us. To come down to us will be hard but we’ll be up for it with a couple of new signings before then.

“It’s going to be a hard game and we’ll be going into it wanting to win it and get three points.

“Whatever league or game you’re playing, it’s always good to get off to a good start. I don’t want to get beat.

“The first goal is important. Hopefully it’s for us and (we don’t) concede any goals.”

Legendary goalscoring machine Abbott has been coaching his side’s strikers to ensure they take their chances.

“I’m happy with my squad at the moment,” he said. “I probably do need another centre half for cover (but) we’re good going forward. I’ve got four strikers who can all score goals and Billy Manners can go forward from midfield.

“Me and Richard Brady are both strikers and I’ll be helping the players. I’m (giving advice) to my forwards and trying to help them and at the end of the day it’s (about) putting the ball into the back of the net.”

Abbott admitted he cannot compete financially with some club’s in the division and admits the pressure is all on K’s manager Alan Dowson to win the Bourne Park clash.

“I mean, they’re one of four or five sides going mad with the money,” revealed Abbott.

“I used to play Kingstonian in the Conference and Ryman Premier, they’re a big club, lovely ground and for them to get out of the league is a lot of pressure.

“I don’t think I’m one of these managers, I’d like to be, but I think we’ve got one of the lowest budgets in the league but I’m looking to get into the play-off’s.

“The pressure’s on them, Cray, Folkestone Invicta and the favourites will be someone like Worthing. I back Worthing to win it. Ashford have loads of money - it’s nice to have loads of money.”

Colin Richmond, who was carried off with a shin injury last weekend, has trained well this week and is available for selection against the K’s.

Whilst K’s can afford to sign a player from Torquay United, Abbott has to delve into the Bulmers Cider Kent League to sign central defender Nick Reeves from Beckenham Town.

He said: “I signed him on Monday night. He played Saturday and he impressed me and he came training and he looked a good player.”

But any pressure to clinch a play-off place has been put on by Abbott and not chairman Andy Spice.

He said: “To be honest the chairman’s been brilliant. A lot of chairmen get in the way but he’s happy with what I’ve done and he’s got confidence in me and it’s nice to hear.

“I think a lot of chairmen are too busy with the players and changing room.

“If it doesn’t work I know what’s going to happen (but) I’ve got about 21 players. We’ve got back up for every position, which is good. I am happy with what I’ve got (but) I’m trying to get another centre half.

“I could do with a bit more experience. We’ve got a young team but I’ve got players who want to work hard, fight, and hopefully win games for us.”

Abbott expects his side to roll their sleeves up and give Kingstonian a run for their money.

“We know it’s going to be a hard game but if we’re not at our best we will get turned over,” he said.

“The boys will be right up for the game. We always play better against the better teams. All this money doesn’t mean a thing, you have to have the right players to have a god and see what happens - but it will be nice to get off to a winning start.

“We’re underdogs all day but I prefer that. Andy (Spice) has no pressure on me but I put pressure on myself to challenge for the play-off’s and being underdogs puts the pressure off you.

“The big teams have the pressure to beat us. I think we can cause a few upsets like we did last year.

“Ability wise we’ve got a better squad than the end of last season.”

Saturday is an ideal opportunity for the people of Sittingbourne to come out and flock through the turnstiles. Regular crowds of over 300 will help increase Abbott’s playing budget.

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

Sittingbourne v Kingstonian
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 16^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Complex, Eurolink, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB