Kennington manager Dan Scorer explains why his players were so keen to stay at the club after a tough season
07:17, 12 July 2024
updated: 07:18, 12 July 2024
Kennington players are sticking around to right the wrongs of last season.
Ton boss Dan Scorer has kept his squad together for the new Southern Counties East campaign which starts next month.
And there’s a determination to prove their 2023/24 struggles were no more than a blip in what’s been a golden era for the club.
For the first time since promotion to the Premier Division, Ton found themselves battling relegation before a late-season flourish.
They eventually finished 17th and want to improve on that.
Scorer said: “The way we ended the season, it was evident we had the quality within the group and it was important we looked to maintain the standards we set in the second half of the season.
“For us to be able to carry the majority of last season’s squad into the new season gives us a lot to be excited about.
“There were three or four players that have been offered opportunities to go and play elsewhere for good money.
“But, as a group, we all know that last year wasn’t good enough and while we got ourselves out of trouble I think we all agreed we need to stay together to make a point we’re a lot better than we showed.
“Everyone’s fully prepared to go into this season giving it a much better go with our expectations of each other being a lot higher.
“I’m really fortunate to have the group of players I’ve got. The loyalty some of these players have given me is exceptional.
“We’ve got 10/11 players that have made over 100 appearances and five or six have made over 200.
“They’re players that are loyal to me and the club and they’re always going to put Kennington FC first.
“It’s nice to know you’ve got that foundation going into each new season and then you can look to build and add two or three new faces to freshen it up a little bit.”
Ton are yet to announce their close-season signings but Scorer says they’ve “found a real gem defensively” among their recruits.
Any other business may have to wait.
Scorer said: “We’ll maybe look to get one or two more in but as is the way with clubs at our level, with our financial circumstances, we’re not able to go and offer players X amount of money, so you’re playing a waiting game in all honesty.
“You’re waiting to see how people’s pre-season goes at different clubs and then you’re looking around to see what pieces you can pick up.
“If it’s the right piece to fit the puzzle that we’re trying to put together, we’ll be very happy.”