We will prove the Bookies wrong, insists O'Brien

Sunday 26th July 2009

BOOKMAKERS have quoted Chatham Town 100-1 to clinch the Ryman League Division One South title this season - or fourth favourite to suffer relegation - but boss Alex O’Brien is having none of it, writes Stephen McCartney.

“Put a fiver on! You never know,” O’Brien told www.kentishfootball.co.uk as he prepares for Tuesday night’s mouth-watering home clash against neighbours Maidstone United.

“I just want my boys to learn how to win, to be very, very difficult with what every they do and let other people worry about that (our betting price).

O’Brien, 32, a tough-tackling holding midfielder, has played for the likes of Tonbridge Angels and Dartford, and he’s brought some good signings to Maidstone Road as he bids to prove the bookmakers wrong.

Former Dover Athletic goalkeeper, American, Dean Ruddy has arrived from Blue Square South side Lewes.

Right-back/striker, Ray Powell, who O’Brien has described as “aggressive”, has played for the likes of Tonbridge Angels, Dartford and Maidstone United, and has signed from Ryman League Division One North outfit East Thurrock United.

Mark Green, who endured an injury ravaged campaign at arch-rivals Sittingbourne last season, and striker Brendon Cass, who has signed from Ryman Premier League side Dartford, make up the quintet of experienced summer signings.

O’Brien has got his managerial career off to a winning start, by beating two Kent League sides in Holmesdale (2-1) and thrashed Norton Sports 5-0 yesterday.

Although right-back Michael Scott was drafted in as an emergency striker against the Dalers, scoring both goals, two strikers were bang on form against Norton yesterday.

Lee Barnett (hat trick) and Rob Denness netted, as did midfielder Brad Potter.

O’Brien, meanwhile, knows playing Ryman Premier League side Maidstone United is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Stones comfortably brushed aside Chatham’s Ryman League Division One South rivals Ashford Town 3-0 last Thursday.

“Anyone that knows Maidstone knows they are a very organised side with quality players,” said O’Brien.

“They’re a decent side, even though they’ve probably lost a few players this season.

“Off-the-pitch hasn’t been like where they want to be, they’re still going to be a very good side.”

O’Brien has vast respect for Stones’ experienced management team of Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker.

“For myself to go head-to-hear with Lloyd and Alan is a nice thing,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d be doing it! Whatever people say about them, they’ve got fantastic non-league experience and their sides have always been footballers that always play well and it will be a fantastic test for us and the boys.

“To go head to toe with the likes of (Alan) Pouton (who the Stones have signed from Dover Athletic) and Nick Barnes, who are good players - hopefully we can give ourselves a good account on the day.”

Chatham kick-off their league campaign with a trip to Godalming Town on 15th August, before welcoming Burgess Hill Town to Maidstone Road three days later.

“I’ve always preferred to start away from home as the pressure’s on the home side from day one,” said O’Brien.

“The first games of the season are always tough, never pretty to watch, either a 1-0 or a 0-0 and you don’t get an understanding of the teams on the first day, but I’m happy to go away from home.”

Looking ahead to playing the Hillians’, O’Brien added, “will be another tricky one and then (after we play at home to Horsham YMCA) we’ve got Croydon Athletic (and Metropolitan Police).”

He added: “For people to say relegation, I haven’t got a problem with it. There’s going to be teams like Croydon (Athletic) and Metropolitan Police who will have a guaranteed budget of, well, whatever they’ve’ got, they’ll be there but why can’t we go in there and stir up things?”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game - with Mike Green bringing you the report and reaction.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Chatham Town v Maidstone United

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 28th July 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bourneville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES