We will not finish bottom, insists Lordswood's John Guest

Wednesday 04th August 2010

LORDSWOOD assistant manager John Guest insists his side will not be suffering at the foot of the Safety Net Associates Kent League this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Medway side completed their 30-match campaign at the foot of the table last season, recording three wins and nine draws, but Guest, alongside manager Jason Lillis, sees the new campaign as a fresh slate and improvement is what’s on the agenda.

They kick-off their campaign with a tough trip to Deal Town on Saturday, and Guest told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he wants his side to do well.

“Obviously we want to get off to a good start and see how it goes,” he said.

“We haven’t played anybody in the Kent League so we can’t compare ourselves to anybody at this moment.

“Pre-season has been very good, we’re very pleased with it. Results have not been particularly important, obviously we’ve played sides in the Ryman Premier as we’re looking to get the shape of the side right and players are doing what we want them to do.

“The best way to do that is put them against sides who play at that level and we’ve done that and we’ve done quite well I think.

“The lads have worked exceptionally well, they’ve worked very hard in pre-season. They’re exceptionally fit and raring to go but there’s a couple of areas that we can still strengthen and we’re looking to do that.”

Guest has not yet finalised his squad, but kept his cards close to his chest, although he did confirm Bill Morrison (Maidstone United) and former Crystal Palace player Stuart Clarke has put pen to paper.

He also said that up to seven players will be on the treatment table ahead of Saturday’s trip to the east Kent coast to face Derek Hares side, the Deal manager was unavailable to comment tonight as he was out watching his reserves.

Guest said: “We’re still making new signings, we’re not finished off with the squad as yet.”

Despite speculation from followers of Kent League clubs claiming that the club do pay their players, Guest insisted the club will be relying on unpaid players to finish in the top eight.

“We’re not going to finish bottom!” Guest insisted. “To be fair, I mean we’re looking for a top half finish, anything less will be unsatisfactory for this year.

“I know other sides in the Kent League have strengthened a lot and have spent a lot of money.

“But a lot of lads have come to us and like the shape of the club and what we’re doing. Everything that we do is professional and everything else about it.

“Lots of lads are looking to (play under me and Jason), rather than looking to earn money out of it. We’re obviously not paying any money.”

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

Deal Town v Lordswood

Safety Net Associates Kent League

Saturday 7th August 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At The Oatmor-Harris Stadium, Charles Sports Ground, St. Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9BE