Pitch side perspective - Manager Richard Percy on the Year ahead

After an impressive 2011, I caught up with Manager Richard Percy to discuss his hopes and expectations for the year ahead.

Are there any specific targets or objectives for the Year ahead?

There are a few targets that I have set the lads for the remainder of the season; the first is to achieve 14 points from our remaining six league games. I will be very impressed with that result no matter where we finish in the table.

Away from the Kent league, my second target is to reach the final of the under 19s Kent cup, we won the Kent Cup last season and to reach the final again would be an excellent achievement.

Another competition we would like to achieve something in is the Bromley cup. I feel, with the squad that we have, we should be looking to win the competition.

With our links to the Farnborough first team, I would love to see maybe six players represent the first team by the end of the season.

Looking towards next year, I would like to continue to build for next year’s academy hoping to have eight players from the current Year 11 sign, along with 5-8 externals come on board.

How do you feel the team has developed over the last year or so?

There has been some great improvement in individuals over the last sixth months some faster than others but I am delighted at how the boys are playing for each other at the moment and, if it continues, who knows we could be league and cup champions if they stay strong and believe.

As you well know belief is a key part of success in Football, but has there been any specific high and low points of 2011?

Lowest points were the defeat away to Valance in the 2010/2011 season and also both Bridon defeats at the end of last year.

The highest points would be the win over Tunbridge Wells this season and an outstanding display of football away to Tonbridge Angels in the 4-4 draw. Also winning the Kent cup last season has to rank highly in our successes of last year.

Since the Academy’s launch in 2010 how successful do you feel it has been on the school and on the progression of the players?

I am very proud of all my players and I am happy with many players progression. I must give Billy, Joe and George individual mentions as they have represented Kent both schools and Sundays and George has turned into a terrific keeper in such a short space of time.

I have learnt a lot over the last season and a half and I feel the Academy will go from strength to strength becoming a big part in the School and the Football Club in years to come. Yes we want silverware but it’s very important to me that the boys leave with a greater knowledge of the game also leaving the school with academic rewards.