We're not jumping off the roof-tops, says table-topping Bromley assistant Hayden Bird

Thursday 26th August 2010

BROMLEY assistant manager Hayden Bird says he has a potent strike force available to him ahead of the big Kent derby against Welling United on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bromley have scored nine goals in four league games so far this season and are sitting proudly at the summit of Blue Square Bet South and welcome a Welling side to Hayes Lane who are also unbeaten in fourth place.

Striker Paul Vines, who has returned to the club from Ryman League Division One South side Tooting & Mitcham United, and Warren McBean have both scored two goals each - and Nic McDonnell has already opened his account for the new season.

Bird, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, was pleased with the contribution of Vines and match-winner McBean as bookies’ favourites Havant & Waterlooville were defeated 1-0 at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night.

“The two strikers really played well together, they looked very dangerous, they looked a real threat as a pair,” said Bird.

“Not only did they play well individually, they played well as a combination, but you know with Bromley at the moment there’s great options up front.

“You have Warren (McBean) who has a reputation of scoring 20 goals a season at this level, you have Paul Vines who has the potential to do exactly the same and you have a very established player in Nic McDonnell, who has done exceptionally well in pre-season, looking very fit and we know Nic is a great target man, but also a renowned goalscorer and I think whoever plays upfront Bromley will be potent this year.

“I think all strikers have to realise they can’t play every game, maybe they have to rotate to keep them fresh and the only way their going to continue to play every week is to score goals, so the likes of Vinsey and Warren against Havant are doing exactly what’s asked for them.

“Nic has been struggling to regain full fitness after a little groin strain, but he will be back 100% for Saturday.”

But Bird says he is pleased that his side have defeated Dorchester Town (2-1), Boreham Wood (4-2), Hampton & Richmond (2-1) and Havant & Waterlooville to sit proudly at the top.

“I think everybody’s done really well,” praised the former Carshalton Athletic boss.

“The players, as I said to you the last time we spoke, have applied themselves particularly well. The team are fit, their organised, and their playing with a great spirit.

“I thought (beating Havant) was particularly pleasing, against a good side, albeit they have started the season slowly. I’m under no illusions, Havant are going to have a very good season and Bromley played very well and deserved to win, possibly by more.”

When asked whether he thought his side would be top-of-the-table at this stage of the season, Bird replied, “No! I don’t think anybody thought that so that’s an added bonus. I thought we’d start well because the pre-season was good, but as I said to you before the Dorchester game, you never know quite where you are until you start the league campaign, but we’re pleased.

“We’re not going overboard, but we’re not going to shout from the rooftops that we’re doing this, that and we’re top of the league and Christ knows what. The fact is we’ve made a good start and for the application of the players from the first of July they deserved that good start.”

Welling United had a date at the Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday and must pay a reported £63,000 in 14 weeks to the taxman.

Player-manager, Jamie Day has asked a friend to become the club’s new commercial manager to bring funds into the Park View Road.

A club statement issued yesterday said: “We pleased to confirm that the club’s solicitors, Leathes Prior, have confirmed to us that the winding up petition presented against the club by HM Revenue and Customs, which was heard in the High Court of Justice today, has been adjourned for a total of 14 weeks in order to give the club extra time in which to settle the remaining debt due to HM Revenue and Customs.

“The club will continue to pursue all avenues to raise the necessary finance to settle the petition debt within this timescale which will ensure the survival of the club.”

With all that going on off-the-park, the 30-year-old player-manager must take credit for not allowing the club’s problems affect matters on the pitch.

Bird said: “I think Jamie and all the players deserve immense credit as well. I think the management (Day, Barry Ashby, Dean Frost) deserve real compliments for the way that they’ve handled that situation.

“It would be very easy to lose focus, to become a little bid disillusioned I’m sure as a Welling player but clearly their not. I think it’s almost galvanised them. They’re in this together, they’ll see it through as a group and they’ve had some very good results, beating Chelmsford was a terrific result, drawing with the likes of Dover, beating Havant.

“They’re going to be strong, I think we’re going to see two in-form sides have on Saturday and potentially it will make for a great game.”

With the club expecting their largest crowd of the season - of over 1,000 - Bird feels this Kent derby will be a good one to watch.

“I think the atmosphere around the place in what always is a competitive local derby will be really good here Saturday,” added Bird.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv

Bromley v Welling United

Blue Square Bet South

Saturday 28th August 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF