Cray boss aiming to bounce back

4:03pm Thursday 8th May 2008

IAN Jenkins believes his Cray Wanderers squad can respond positively to the disappointment of last Saturday's play-off defeat at Tooting & Mitcham.

The Wands boss saw his side put up an impressive display against the team who only finished above them in the table on goal difference and only Paul Vines' late winner separated them on the day.

Perhaps the tightness of the game reflected the hard work of both Cray and Tooting over an impressive season, but ultimately it was the side which finished higher in the league who triumphed on the big day.

Jenkins said: "I thought it was a fair game, but not a fair result.

"Whichever team scored the first goal was always going to go on and win in my view because it was so tight.

"People have said we were the better side on the day and I agree.

"Everyone in the dressing room was naturally downhearted afterwards, but it has gone now and we are looking to put it right next year."

The manager also confirmed there would be comings and goings during the close season, but added he was looking to retain the majority of the current squad.

He said: "I want most of them to stay because there were lots of positives from the players after last Saturday's game and a determination to go one better next time.

"Of course there will be players who do leave and others who come in as this is only to be expected at any football club in the summer.

"We have learnt from this season and I think what ultimately cost us was the slow start we had.

"This was because we had so many new people coming in last summer and we only had about six pre-season games.

"I think this time we will be looking to pencil in at least 10 and as well as the Kent Cup final against Ebbsfleet, we've already got trips to Needham Market, VCD Athletic, Erith Town and Redhill pencilled in."

Cray chairman Gary Hillman is convinced Jenkins is the right man to lead the club to the Ryman Premier Division.

He said: "Ian and the team have had a great season after a sticky start and their unbeaten run is testament to the fact there isn't really anything wrong on the pitch.

"Obviously everyone is disappointed we lost at Tooting on Saturday, but it was a late goal and that's football."

Mr Hillman also confirmed the uncertainty over the ownership of Bromley FC had no impact on the club's ground sharing arrangement with the Lillywhites.

"We've signed a contract which still has six or seven years to run and it will not change even if Bromley do get a new owner," he added.