Blackman: "A Winning Habit Is Key"

Midfielder Sam Blackman says the Blues want to get into a “winning habit” as the 2022/23 Isthmian Premier Division edges nearer.

The ‘Gate won their opening three pre-season fixtures, however two 3-1 defeats to a Fulham Xl and Tonbridge Angels respectively have taken the momentum away from Andy Drury and his side.

“I know it’s only pre-season, but we want to set out our standards early and get into a winning habit. We set our standards against Dover, but since then we have let them slip and that is frustrating”.

The Blues have four more pre-season games before their league opener, starting with a trip to Ashford United tonight (Tuesday), and Blackman says that is enough games to get back to winning ways.

“We have got four games left of pre-season left starting with Ashford away on Tuesday night. The gaffer has come in and set out his fundamental principles of how he wants to play, and the boys have taken that on board and are enjoying it”.

“Like I say we want to get into a winning habit before the season starts and that will hopefully start with a win at Ashford on Tuesday”.

Blackman says competition for places this season at Hartsdown Park, especially in Midfield will be the key to everyone improving on their performances from last season.

“The Midfield area we look really strong this season. There is competition for places which is what you want as a player as then you have to be at it every week”.

Looking ahead to the 2022/23 season, Blackman say he believes that the Blues will be competing at the “right end of the table”, but has warned that a good start is essential to that when the league campaign kicks-off at home to Kingstonian on Saturday 13th August.

“Look we have a good squad. Last season we fell just short of the play-offs by finishing 8th. I think at the start of every season you think we want to make the play-offs, and that is the same this season for us”.

“We have a strong squad and our aim is to be competing at the right end of the table, which I think we will. We will look after those first ten league games, but a good start is essential in any division, but especially the Isthmian Premier Division”.

Sam Blackman is sponsored for the 2022/23 season by Tom Bull and Ryan Creighton (Home), and Phil Povey (Away).

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