County League crackdown

SECRETARY HOARE VOWS TO IMPROVE DISCIPLINE AFTER ATTITUDES TO RESPECT TAKE A NOSEDIVE

The Kent County League are vowing to improve discipline on and off the field.

Winners of an FA Gold Award in recognition of being one of the best Respect Leagues in the country, they were granted full Step 7 status as a reward but secretary and former Kent referee Gavin Hoare says attitudes dipped alarmingly last season.

Speaking at the annual meeting at the UK Paper Club in Sittingbourne last week, he said: “Having achieved lofty status as Gold Award winners, it would seem attitudes to respect, and all we stand for, took a nosedive.

“On-field discipline in some areas was way below what we have come to expect and behaviour of bench personnel also needs looking at.”

Mr Hoare also revealed the problem wasn’t just confined to managers, coaches and players.

He added: “A small minority of referees caused problems with three being removed from the panel and several others being suspended for offences in and outside the league.”

Clubs playing matches “where and when they want” and the number of games left unfulfilled by teams failing to raise sides, despite some having 40 registered players, are two other areas set to be looked at.

Mr Hoare went on: “The league remains one of the best established and well-run in the country, bucking many trends.

“If we allow these issues to continue to slide the wrong way, then this lowering of standards will have a serious knock-on effect for everyone.

“Maybe the time has come for us to look at the quality of what we have and not the quantity.

“The men’s 11-a-side game is falling into serious decline, so the choices are simple.

“Do we make the game better for the majority, leaving the minority to fall by the wayside, or do we continue to bury our heads in the sand and pretend all will be alright if we wait?”

Meanwhile, Ashford League champions Willesborough Athletic and Ashford United Reserves were two of 10 new clubs voted in for season 2015-16.

Kennington’s promotion to the Premier Division was confirmed and it was also a good night for Rolvenden.

They were promoted to Division 2 East and Karen Adams, wife of team manager Albert, was named secretary of the year, capping an excellent first season for the club.

New Romney were jointwinners of the Fair Play Award with Kings Hill.

Gary Penfold has taken over in charge at Division 2 East side Tenterden Town, following Freddie Rogers’ decision to step down.

The club are looking to appoint a new assistant, with secretary Stuart Saunders continuing as a member of the management team.

Ashford United striker Stuart Zanone pictured with his Southern Counties East League Golden Boot award during the annual presentation lunch at the Thistle Hotel, Brands Hatch on Sunday. With him, are from left: United owner Don Crosbie, Denise...