United planning to make their mark (Story posted 15.08.02)

THE Ryman League bursts back into action tomorrow (Saturday), with Maidenhead United facing a daunting trip to Purfleet.
Much has been made of the Magpies’ nightmare start to the season, as they face five of the league’s top-eight teams in the first few weeks.
However, there is a renewed sense of optimism at the club this year, which has been cultivated by a string of impressive pre-season performances and an embarrassing array of classy new signings.
Club chairman Roger Coombs is particularly upbeat about the club’s prospects and is confident the Magpies can finally make their mark on the Premier League.
He said: “I think we can look forward to a good season. We’re not going to win the league but I really believe we will finish in the top half.
“We have strengthened the squad with a number of good new players and, of the people we were anticipating coming back this season, only Ferdy (Chris Ferdinand) has gone elsewhere.
“Craig Webster looks fit again, Matt Glynn has recovered from his injury, and the new people who have signed for us are quality.
“Lawrence Yaku looks to have so much potential. I’ve also been impressed with Ryan Ashe, and Grant Keywood looks like another quality player from an attacking point of view.
“I know Alan (Devonshire) always has one or two things he thinks we could do better, but overall it’s looking very positive.”
United’s results to-date certainly give grounds for optimism, with their single defeat coming at the hands of Nationwide Division 2 side Brentford, while new boys Keywood, Yaku and Ashe have all found the net.
But Coombs was also confident that United had learned some precious lessons in last season’s campaign, which would stand them in good stead.
He explained: “Last year we were in 10th place at Christmas, but then we let it go a bit.
“We began losing games to late goals, but hopefully we have learned from that.
“We know we can’t afford to be complacent this year and must keep on battling right to the end.”
However, Coombs is not just targeting league success and is hoping to raise the club’s profile by other means.
He added: “What we are really hoping for is a good run in the FA Cup. They haven’t drawn it yet but we are due a reasonable draw this year, which would give us a chance to reach the first round proper.”
Tomorrow’s clash with Purfleet will provide a good indication of United’s progress, as the Essex side were one of a handful of teams to inflict heavy defeats on the Magpies last year. But manager Alan Devonshire was typically dismissive of previous form, claiming he was going to Essex in search of a win.
He said: “It’s a new season. What’s happened in the past doesn’t matter anymore.
“Purfleet are a strong side and it will be difficult, but I always go into games positive. We can beat anyone on our day.” However, he was less forthcoming when it came to predicting where United would finish in the league this year.
He added: “I haven’t got a clue. The squad is stronger than last year – I have no doubt about that – but so are a lot of other squads.
“We will have to improve to finish where we did last year.”