Football's back
THE County League season starts tomorrow (divisions one and two). SAM WATTS talks to the managers to see how they're doing ahead of the big kick-off...
AFC Uckfield
FORMERLY known as Wealden, AFC Uckfield are looking to make a real impact on the Sussex County League Division Two this term.
Manager Simon Rowland has welcomed new assistant manager Kevin Laundon to The Oaks ahead of the 2010/11 campaign, and the ex-Seaford assistant managers appointment has signalled a plethora of new arrivals from his former club.
The influx of new talent has strengthened Rowland's belief that his side can improve on their 8th place finish in County League Division Two last term following an encouraging pre-season.
But he remains wary of the financial power bought to the division by teams that have dropped down from Division One.
"We've got a stronger squad than last year with 22 or 23 first team members and things are looking good." He said.
"We'd expect to finish higher, although there's more money in our league now and it could be difficult with some of the teams that have come down from Division One."
The AFC Uckfield manager acknowledged that the pitch at The Oaks has hampered his sides pre-season preparations, but also allayed fears that the surface wouldn't be ready in time for Saturday's season opener with East Preston this weekend.
"Pre-season has been poor as we've only had three home friendlies all in all due to the pitch. But it was mowed last night and the rain this week will have helped it. It will be ready for Saturday."
The Oaks follow up their opening gambit by welcoming Bexhill United on Tuesday evening.
In other club news, Anthony Harvey has been re-elected as the clubs vice-chairman. However, Uckfield would also welcome interest from anyone who could play a part behind the scenes on match days, or assist on the club committee.
The Oaks, on Old Eastbourne Road, has a function room and club house available for hire (capacities 100 and 60 respectively), and would welcome any interested parties to contact 01323 848024 to make a booking.
Players In: Adam Laundon, Matt Jones, Terry Gacia, Drew Greenall, Chris Logan, Lawrence Edwards, Joe Miller, Dan Pollard Players Out: Shaun Grice.
Seaford Town
SEAFORD TOWN surrendered a two-goal advantage in their friendly with Sidlesham last Saturday, as the Division Two side ended their impressive pre-season on a slightly damp note, with a 3-3 draw. Steve Dallaway had put Town ahead with some opportunistic finishing from close range. But Sidlesham cast aside their lower league status and went ahead with three well-taken goals.
Ryan Knight was impressive throughout however, and ensured that Seaford didn't end up on the wrong side of the final result, when he planted a header home from a set piece to even the scores.
Badgers manager Tony Coade insisted that it's all to play for at the start of the season, and that his side will play without a weight of expectation on their shoulders.
"We haven't really got a minimum target that we're aiming for, but we've had a good pre-season and made some new signings." Commented the former first team coach.
"We're no different to any other team at the start of the season."
Town's opening rubber is a visit to Worthing United on Saturday, followed by a second successive away day against Mile Oak on Wednesday.
Ringmer
RINGMER manager Bob Munnery is setting his sights high for the season ahead, stating his intention to guide his side to County League glory.
"We're aiming to win the league, and I'm absolutely serious about that." He said. "I'm pretty sure we're going to have a successful season. We've signed 20 quality new players which gives the squad excellent back up, and the infrastructure of the club is now absolutely perfect. I'm delighted to have Paul Johnson on board (as assistant manager], I've got a great management team around me and I'm very proud to be a part of this club."
When questioned whether this was the time for the club to put the administration worries of last season behind them, Munnery's answer was as equally emphatic as his belief in his sides title credentials.
"Absolutely, we've started to put things right with the new infrastructure we've got and we're very optimistic about how the club will now run."
However, The Blues manager is aware that financial nous will be just as important as his sides displays on the pitch this season.
"We've got to be very clever with our money, and we've got to be straightforward with the way we do things." Some clubs are run behind closed doors, and we're anxious that the committee doesn't do that. We need to make sure there are no closed doors, no Chinese whispers, and that we use a good business plan."
Ringmer defeated Eastbourne Town 2-0 at the Caburn on Tuesday in their final pre-season match, before they face Three Bridges in their opening fixture on Saturday. They then meet Pagham away on Tuesday.
Peacehaven
PEACEHAVEN boss Pete Edwards insists that his first priority is ensuring the survival of the club in County League Division One, after enduring a rocky summer at the helm of his team.
"Survival is priority after the turbulent summer we've had, and as a club in general just making sure that we get our stands finished and the ground up to scratch.
"I'd never write us off from challenging for anything, but we're going into the season totally unprepared."
"We've only had one competitive friendly and six training sessions at the most. We're starting again."
Edwards was keen to point to the clubs proud history of pushing for honours, and believes a solid start is key if his side are to do more than simply survive.
"This football club has a history of challenging for honours, and I think we'll get stronger as we go on. But it all depends on how we start."
"As for the Cups, it depends on the draw; sometimes you need that bit of luck in Cup competitions, but we'd love to put another pot on the shelf."
The Tye manager also admitted that he couldn't see the woods for the trees when it came to predicting a winner in the Division come May.
"The league is going to be exceptionally difficult; there are some great sides in it." I'd make Crawley Down one of the favourites as they have the core of our squad from last season, but you've also got teams like Redhill and Three Bridges who also look good.
"But I really can't see who's going to win it to be honest" he admitted.
Peacehaven open their campaign with a trip to East Grinstead's East Court, before welcoming Shoreham to The Sports Park on the following Tuesday.
Players In: Adam Kneller, Aaron Gunn, Ben Dartnell, Aaron MacMillan, Scott Dartnell, Players Out: Wes Millis, Tom Burton, Callum Saunders, Clive Snell, Andy Wilkinson
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Weather for Lewes
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
