United boss feels his squad is stronger this season

BETHNAL GREEN United boss Justin Gardner believes his side are well-placed to launch an assault on the Essex Senior League title.

The Greens are sitting in second and with a big squad and only one cup competition to worry about, the boss is pleased with how their season has gone so far.

“We are in a decent position and I am confident we can beat anyone in the league,” he said.

“I have a strong squad and have plenty of confidence we can win both the league and the league cup.

“It was great to play against Harlow in the FA Cup and force a draw against a good side and apart from the one defeat against Southend Manor I am happy with our league form.”

It’s United’s second campaign in senior football and completed a cup double last term. At this stage in the league last season they were in fourth and still in four cup competitions, with plenty of games in hand.

“I’ve learnt from our first season. Our squad is much stronger and we are far better equipped to deal with the challenges over the remaining matches,” Gardner said.

“I’m really happy with our squad and extremely confident we can win the league. I’m looking for a centre half, but have been for a while and am in no rush to just bring anybody in.”

The form of centre half Ajibola Olatunbosun has meant Garnder has had little to worry about at the back and the Greens supremo was keen to praise the Nigerian-born defender and other members of his squad.

“AJ (Olatunbosun) has had a great season and come on leaps and bounds,” the boss said.

“He has been consistent and made far less errors then last season.

“Michael Begg and Ryan Lee have also been good additions. Their importance will really show at the latter part of the season. They are players who have won promotions from the Essex Senior League in the past.

“Bringing in Neil Day as a coach has also been a big help. It has taken some pressure off me and let me concentrate more of matches. Neil has brought new ideas and loves to coach.”