We won't be fazed by the occasion, says Foley

Friday 14th August 2009

VCD ATHLETIC will write another chapter in the club's history when they take to the pitch tomorrow to play Northwood in Ryman League Division One North, writes Jeff Perkins.

This will be the highest level that the Crayford based club has played in the non-league pyramid and underlines the ambitions of the club and new management team who secured promotion from the Kent League in only their 2nd attempt.

With superb facilities at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, VCD will undoubtedly become a welcome addition to the Ryman league as they look to continue their rise from the amateur ranks to senior non-league football.

Manager Paul Foley, who has played for Fisher Athletic, Erith & Belvedere, Ramsgate and Maidstone United, is looking forward to their game at Northwood Park.

“Now that the squad is finally sorted the lads are really looking forward to the new challenges that lay ahead,” Foley told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk.

“A handful of the lads have been playing in the Kent League for too long really so this should give them a shot in the arm as it can become difficult to motivate yourself year in, year out in the same league.

“We will also get more out of the likes of Leroy Huggins, Mark Hammond, Nick Hegley, Anthony Hogg, Chris Tedder and so on who have played Ryman Premier level and above.

“Then you have our young lads who have plenty of ability and no fear at all so they will benefit from playing in a better league.

“The squad selection this year was particularly tough with 25 players to choose from and a budget restriction to work with so we have tried to get the right mix of players and we think we have done that.”

With the likes of Richard Sinden, Dave Hassett, Casey Scotter and Luke May departing VCD, the squad will have a different feel once again as the club continues to evolve since Foley and Frost took the reins.

Foley feels this is essential to keep the club moving forward.

He said: “The lads who have moved on have done so for their own specific reasons and whilst we would have liked them to stay on you simply cannot go into the season with 24 or 25 players so we have reduced it down to a sensible level.

“All four of those players played a big part in the most successful season the club has ever had so they will always be part of the club's history but you have to look forward and the next batch of players will make their own mark I am sure.

“As for the last two seasons we have managed to attract some quality players to a club that cannot pay out much money unfortunately.'

New signings Chris Tedder, Mark Hammond, Charlie Burgess join the club and both Anthony Hogg (who was a late addition to last season's campaign) and Nick Hegley have put pen to paper once more despite the attention of other clubs.

The astute transfer deals of the manager in only his third season continue to defy the limited resources available.

“All three of the new lads have done very well in pre-season and will be good additions for the club,” said Foley.

“Someone like Mark Hammond is a great example of the type of player we want at the club. He has a wealth of experience at the top level in the pyramid yet just wants to enjoy his football rather than chase a pound note.

“Chris is similar to Mark as he has played at a decent level and just wants to enjoy his football again.

“Both of these lads are really looking forward to getting started. Charlie is a young player with real potential that has maybe slipped through the net at other clubs.

“Getting Anthony and Nick to sign again is like getting two new signings really as they will be very important to us this season as both have plenty of quality and will help the lads around them.

“Neither of them wanted to leave despite being courted by a few clubs which says we are still doing things right.'

Looking forward to the opening fixtures against Northwood, Tilbury and Concord Rangers, Foley said:

“We have a tough opening three games as they were all top half last year and in Northwood and Concord you have two sides who were top six.

“It definitely won't be a gentle introduction to the league but to be honest I would prefer that as we will learn more about the squad which we feel has a good mix of youth and experience.

“The first game against Northwood away will be a tough one as they are a good young lively side and it is one of the furthest journeys too but the lads won't be fazed by the occasion I am sure.

“There will be some calm and experienced lads in the dressing room and myself, Frosty and Silky (Andy Silk) have all played at this level or higher so we will have the benefit of some experience on our side of things too. I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves.'

Article courtesy of www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Northwood v VCD Athletic

Ryman League Division One North

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Northwood Park, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 1HR