We've got a good chance of trying to finish in the top half, says Thamesmead boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says his side looks “big and strong” for their opening pre-season friendly against Maidstone United at Bayliss Avenue on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Mead boss has had a clear out during the close season as he aims to finish in the middle of the Ryman League Division One North table.

“We’ve had a little bit of a clear out and signed some good players as well, and there’s been quite a lot of decent trialists down,” he said on the eve of the clash against a Maidstone United side preparing for life in Ryman League Division One South following their first ever relegation.

“It will be nice to have a look (at them) in a game situation to see how some of them play.”

Speaking about his new signings, McMahon said: “The first one we signed was Dean Standen, who is not about, he’s on holiday at the moment.  He’s a centre midfielder, played for Margate and Luton, has great experience and what we’ve seen in pre-season he’s been a revelation.  He’s been really good, he talks to the youngsters so I have high hopes with Dean playing alongside Lea Dawson.

“James Donovan, at the back, again very big and strong, great experience with Tonbridge Angels, and East Thurrock last year.  We’ve had a couple of (training) games and he’s slotted in with Lewis Tozer, who was out for nearly all of last season from injury.

“We’ve got Richard Butler back from holiday today and he’s going to feature.  He can play central midfield, right-back and holding midfielder from Needham Market and I’m looking forward to seeing him.

“Joe Horlock, plays in the middle of midfield, and has signed from Sittingbourne.  Joe’s come down pre-season and really worked hard and he looks very good.  His passing is superb and I look forward to seeing him.

“We’ve re-signed young Bradley Killick.  I had him from the youth team, again up front.  He’s looks sharp and will play tomorrow with a couple of trialists.

“I’ve got nine or ten new faces tomorrow to look at so it should be good.”

McMahon has, however, waved goodbye to some main-stay players.

“Andy Constable moves on to Erith & Belvedere so I wish him the best there.  Andy has been a decent player for us and he feels the times maybe right for a new challenge.  No disrespect to him, he’s not getting any younger.  He’s been a great lad, a great servant to us, so we wish him all the best of luck over there.

“Marcus Perona has stepped down a level with East Grinstead.  He’s spent a lot of time at the club even before he went to Whitstable.  I wish him all the best.  He wanted a new challenge.

“Who else is missing?  Richard Avery at the moment is at Margate.  He’s been offered to go there in pre-season.  He’s got a good offer.  I spoke to Richard recently and he’s there at the moment and enjoying it.

“James Campbell has signed permanently for Herne Bay, again a new challenge and Nick Davis has gone to Erith Town, which is a little bit of a surprise to a few people, but work things have come up.  I’ve been friends with Nick since he was 12.  I wish him all the best, so it’s a good signing for Erith Town.”

McMahon explained why he has strengthened his squad.

He said: “We’ve strengthened.  We had to have a big change around.  We had a good squad last year but after Christmas some of them  took it a little bit for granted, I would say and weren’t as committed and our form suffered.

“This year, we’ve gone for hungry players who want to play and we do look big and strong as well.”

Burly midfielder, Danny Penny, a summer signing from Chatham Town, and left wing-back Ashley Probets are two weeks away from full training, following their cruciate ligament injuries. 

Thamesmead have ten pre-season games and McMahon explained what he is looking for during this hectic period.

“You want to see them getting fit,” he said.  “A lot of players come back very fit now anyway, the old school of people coming back heavy has gone.  These players are at the gym most days and keep fit anyway. 

“I want them to get their match fitness in, especially with new faces you want them to gelling partnerships with players who they play alongside with.

“You just want them to put in the hard work and get something out of it.”

When asked about his aspirations for the league season ahead, McMahon said: “We were sitting second at Christmas and everyone knows the slump we’ve had, but that’s gone now, we’ve got a clean slate.  We have Lewis Tozer back, that’s a massive bonus for us, he’s an exceptional player.  We’ve strengthened, hopefully we’re not finished yet.

“The League will be strong this year.  Leiston are in it, Soham Town Rangers have come across, Needham Market will be strong, Sudbury, all four from the east coast will be strong as are your Harlow’s, Brentwood’s.

“It’s going to be difficult for us.  We’re confident.  We play well and we’ve got a good chance of trying to finish for the top half of the table and we’ll push on from there.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Thamesmead Town  v  Maidstone United
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 19^th July 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ