“You’ll make a profit on me if you sell me back to Kingstonian,” jokes Hampton & Richmond Borough midfielder Josh Casey during Monday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
And on this evidence he may not be far wide of the mark, as Hampton’s stock is clearly rising.
The Beavers’ were impressive in clipping the Eagles’ wings in midweek thanks to a Jake Rose goal and eye-catching performances from new arrivals Eddie Hutchinson, Michael Kamara, Tom Jelley, Nick Kabamba and Moussa Diarra.
The view from inside the camp is that this is a Beavers squad going places.
From manager Alan Dowson’s expletive-laden team talks right down to kit man Malcolm Taylor getting the towels for the post-match showers, there is a sense of purpose.
Pre-match preparations – accompanied by the musical selections of resident DJ Ryan Newman – are professional and timed to the minute with skipper Kieran Murphy cracking the whip.
Sitting on the bench is like being in a real-life version of FIFA 2016 as Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler’s sporadic touchline outbursts accompany the action.
Hampton’s performance on Monday delivered hope with some claiming the quality of the current squad tops that of the Alan Devonshire era.
Work rate and consistency will be the key to success and if the squad match the manager’s work ethic – he raised £2,000 doing a 20km fun run on Sunday to help finance the transfer of Diarra – then a top five finish could be on the cards.
Insider dealing: Times sports editor Stuart Amos takes his place in the dugout
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