John Hamsher believes Hanworth Villa have the potential to eventually make the Southern League – but this season is all about survival.
The new Villains boss has a top pedigree at Combined Counties level, helping guide both Guildford City and Egham Town into the Southern League, but has his work cut out at the other end of the table at Villa, who are marooned at the bottom of the Premier Division.
There have been signs of improvement, like only losing 1-0 at high-flying Camberley on Saturday, but Villa crashed out of the Premier Challenge Cup 3-2 to Guildford on Tuesday night, despite a debut strike from Michael Ruffles and a Matt Grave penalty.
Hamsher said: “I think we will be okay. It will take a bit of time because we have a lot of new players coming in, but I wouldn't have take the job if I didn't see it as a long term project.
“This year is all about survival, but next season I'll be looking to kick on. Hard work will be the number one factor, along with commitment and fitness, as nothing comes easy, and if the players keep giving me as much as they have so far, we will be fine.”
As well as bringing in Ruffles, Hamsher has also this week swooped for Tommy Hedges and Marcus Moody from Egham and Dale Marvill from Epsom & Ewell. However, striker Levi King has left the club.
Hamsher said: “I am over the moon to have signed Tommy – he was one of our top targets, while Michael was one I tried to sign when I was Egham too. Marcus has a lot of experience, having played for Farnborough and Kingstonian, while Dale is a creator.”
Villa host Horley Town tomorrow, while Premier Division rivals Bedfont Sports are at home to Frimley Green.
Bedfont lost 2-0 at home to Epsom & Ewell on Saturday, but knocked manager Mick Snowdon's former club, Ashford Town (Middx), out of the Middlesex Senior Cup on penalties on Tuesday night following a 4-4 draw. Adam Roberts scored twice for Bedfont, while Jamie Read and Grant Cooper also netted, while Josh Richardson saved two penalties in the shoot-out.
