New Dockers boss talks up expectation factor
3:01pm Monday 12th May 2008
NEW Tilbury boss Graham Chester is setting his sights firmly on success for the new season, targeting a top ten finish in his first Ryman Division One North campaign.
The new incumbent in the Dockers hot-seat says he wants to bring in a new wave of enthusiasm for the town club, stirring up new interest and support.
"The key to that, of course, is winning, but we will be doing a lot of work in the close season to let people know about the club and if we can get them down there for the first game of the season and deliver a win and an entertaining side then things could begin to take off," said the 36 year-old who is clearly relishing the challenge of invigorating the club.
Speaking with passion and enthusiasm about the task in hand he added: "Unfortunately, over recent years the club has become devoid of atmosphere and expectation.
"When I met with the club officials they talked about avoiding relegation, I would like to target a top ten finish next season at worst and certainly a play-off place in the season after.
"It's no good talking things down. I am coming here with a backroom team that is motivated and enthusiastic and I already have a squad of players that have proven that they can compete at Ryman One level.
"That doesn't mean I won't be looking at new players, or close the door to the Tilbury squad that as here last season. I've called a meeting with them on Thursday and I will let them know what I'm about and what I expect and then the door is open for them to prove themselves."
Chester is already committed to raising the profile of the club and has already got work started on a new website for the club and he intends to lift its media profile.
"I'm really excited about joining Tilbury. We've already started working on the planning and I can't wait for the pre-season and then the season to start.
"I want people to sit up and take notice of Tilbury. Grays are moving out of the area so maybe we can get a bit of enthusiasm going from local people who don't want to go over to the other side of Purfleet," he said.
"I like my sides to play an entertaining, enthusiastic football that people like to watch and I want to change the expectation. I believe in winning and I want Tilbury to become a winning club."