We're committed to putting Lordswood firmly on the footballing map, says assistant Steve Arnold

LORDSWOOD assistant manager Steve Arnold says the club have brought a new Academy to Martyn Grove.

The Medway based outfit finished in 12^th place (of sixteen teams) in the Kent League last season, which was their highest league position for six years,  but manager Jason Lillis wants to put the club firmly on the footballing map.

Arnold, who published his thoughts on the club’s website www.lordswoodfc.co.uk, said: “There have been a number of important meetings that have taken place to enable the club to move forward in a positive way.

“Both Jason and myself are committed to putting Lordswood firmly on the footballing map as a force to be reckoned with and have formulated a long term plan in order to achieve this aim.

“Prior to everyone joining up for pre-season the club was approached by a local secondary school to go into partnership in providing a Football Academy Status facility, which in no uncertain terms is a very exciting prospect for the club as a whole.

“With all the benefits for all concerned it will surely enable Lordswood FC to grow in stature.

“Talks are on-going with Jason heading the Academy on the Lordswood side and hopefully with the backing and support of the main Lordswood Social Club things should go from strength-to-strength.”

Lordswood continue their pre-season campaign with a home game against Blue Square Bet (Conference) South side Tonbridge Angels next Tuesday.

Tommy Warrilow’s side finished in ninth-place in their first ever campaign at that level last season, but they have lost to Crawley Town (0-4) and Ebbsfleet United (1-6) in their opening two pre-season warm-ups and become the first Kent side to visit Maidstone United’s 3G pitch at James Whatman Way on Saturday.

Arnold said: “It was good to see the main bulk of last season’s squad returning for duty with the exception of only a couple.

“Jason has worked hard during the close season to encourage some new faces to the club and a great signing he has been able to get has to be (central defender) Gary Cook from VCD Athletic.

“Gary is a great addition and a massive boost to our plans for the season.

“We have had a number of trialists this pre-season and most if not all have been of a very high quality which again is good to see.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk