Overall, last season we had some real positives but the overriding feeling was that we were inconsistent – having a great start and a poor end, says Welling Town boss Kevin Oakes

WELLING TOWN manager Kevin Oakes says he is searching for consistency during their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign.

The Boots begin their 2021-22 campaign with a trip to play Sean Muggeridge’s Crowborough Athletic on Saturday.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice at all last season on our visit to Crowborough and we’ll be looking to give a much better account of ourselves this time around,” said Oakes, who is also the chairman.

“Overall, last season we had some real positives but the overriding feeling was that we were inconsistent – having a great start and a poor end.

“The inability to train regularly, as well as a squad full of quality but perhaps lacking a little in-depth, meant as soon as we lost two or three key individuals we were limited in our approach on the training ground and on match day.”

Oakes has retained Dennis Agbudume, Ollie Bennett, Dylan Cave, Josh Eka, Rob Gillman, Ryan Golding, Richard Jimoh, James Miles, Luis Montoya, Billy Muckle, Alex Nelson, Carl Oblitey, Mehmet Prio and Jhoan Tabima.

Oakes has made 10 summer signings by bringing in goalkeeper Dan Mamas (Glebe); defenders Luke Coleman (Sutton Athletic); Alex Costa (unattached); Simon Glover (Kent Football United); Sam Orisatoki (Erith & Belvedere) and Darell Stewart (unattached); midfielders Manny Adetokunbo (Knapshill); Ehis Izokun (Crowborough Athletic) and strikers Eniya Amgbaduba (Herne Bay) and Taylor Robinson (unattached).

Oakes said: “We’ve made a point this season of recruiting more numbers to provide the depth and natural competition that brings amongst a strong group of lads that all want to fight for a shirt, and thus far this is bringing the best out of all.

“The additions of the experience of Simon Glover and Luke Coleman, the return from long-term injury of Richard Jimoh and Jhoan Tabima, who were both so key last time around, the signing of James Miles and Taylor Robinson, and some other good finds in Sam Orisatoki and Alex Costa, give a nice balance of ability, athleticism, experience and competition and a real team spirit already.

“If we can keep ourselves fit and organised, we’re looking forward to a strong season. We just can’t wait to get started now.”

Visit Welling Town’s website: www.wellingtown.co.uk

Crowborough Athletic  v  Welling Town
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 31 July 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Crowborough Community Stadium, Fermor Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 3AN