Manuel eyes coaching role

FORMER Gillingham, Folkestone Invicta and Bromley star Billy Manuel helped South London Alliance Premier Division leaders Metrogas secure the London Intermediate Cup tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

The South-East Londoners caused an upset by beating Cray Valley 2-1 at Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead.

A goal from Scott Clark with 19 minutes left wasn't enough for the British Energy Kent County Premier League leaders and defeat ended hopes for the Eltham based club to clinch a unique quadruple.

Impressive young Metrogas striker Tom Maloney headed the underdogs into an early lead after only 32 seconds and Nick Curren, after being set up by Manuel, sailed his shot into the top far corner of the net, in the 21st minute.

Manuel, however, is eyeing a return to coaching and admits he is enjoying his football at Metrogas.

The 35-year-old, whilst holding the trophy in his hands, said: "I've always said if I did go back into coaching - I was with Folkestone as assistant manager - I would want to be at a higher level.

"Bromley's level (Ryman League Division One) would be the lowest level I would go."

Since joining Metrogas halfway through last season, Manuel whose last senior club was Bromley, is enjoying his time despite being hit hard in the pocket.

The builder added: "I am playing with a good side here.  There's a lot of good young strikers here, 18, 19 year-old's, scoring 25 goals.

"I am playing centre forward, which is a big difference for me, especially playing at centre half or midfield (during my career).  You don't do so much running up there.

"I have scored 15 goals myself so I haven't done that bad."

Manuel - who also play's vets football - was introduced to the club by Matt Radley, who persuaded Manuel to play at the lower rungs of the game.

"He said to me to come down and play," said Manuel.  "I scored on my debut, this was halfway through last year.

"I had to pay £10 subs,  had to buy a jug of beer, which was £21 because it was my debut game, I scored so I had to buy another jug, which is £21 again, so I lost £50 or £60 for the first game.

"They're a good bunch of lads, a lot of young prospects here that could go on and play Conference football if not League football.  I am just trying to help them along the way."

So what coaching job interests Manuel?

"If the right job comes along - the first job has got to be right because you might not get a second job," he said.

And currently?  "Well, I am happy just trotting along, building, and playing here with these youngsters," he added.

Metrogas, who first won the London Intermediate Cup in the 1999-2000 season, beating Old Roan 3-2, went on to lose their next two finals, 2-0 to Corinthian-Casuals reserves the following season and 4-1 to London City Athletic.

But Cray Valley have to bounce back quickly if they want to land the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield, when they meet Norton Sports next Saturday at Chatham Town's Maidstone Road ground.

They still have the Inter-Regional Challenge Cup final against Orpington - to be played at Welling United's Park View Road ground on 27th April and are close to securing the British Energy Kent County League title.

Cray Valley will of course be disappointed that they surrendered their grasp on the London Intermediate Cup, which they have won in the last two seasons, beating Thamesmead Town's second string on each occasion.