MALDON & TIPTREE boss Terry Spillane says he is far from surprised at his team's wonderful start to the season.
The former Redbridge manager took over at the Wallace Binder Stadium in the summer just after the team had struggled to a mid-table finish.
But after raiding his former employers – who he helped all the way to the second round of the FA cup – for players in the close season their fortunes have dramatically turned around.
They're top of Ryman League Division One North by four points after winning ten and drawing two matches thus far.
Their latest victory came on Saturday with a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Wroxham.
Spillane is looking to keep up the good run when his side visits Tilbury this weekend.
"I haven't got a special formula or a magic wand or anything like that," Spillane told the Chronicle this week.
"Our team spirit is second to none and we've got quite a young squad with a mixture of experience in there. A lot of these players have played for me before and I think that helps.
"I think it's a combination of factors to be truthful, the players like the style we play and the ground itself is one of the best in our division.
"I've not been surprised by the start, no. We're a good side and we know that.
"I'm well aware that we might hit the wall at some point this season but we're just riding the roller coaster at the moment.
"I brought in good players in the summer and if I hadn't got them in other teams would have done."
Crashing out in the early rounds of the cup competitions, save the Essex Senior Cup, has probably helped the team focus on league matters.
He says there are 'difficult decisions' to make in terms of team selection for this weekend.
Two of this season's best players, Michael Toner and Lewis Dark, both missed last weekend's game with other commitments while Joe Gardner and Vincent Durrant played well in their place.
"Both of those lads will be looking to be involved I'm sure," he said.
"There are tough decisions ahead of us and we'll see how everyone performs in training.
"It's never an easy game at Tilbury, it's always windy – you could play there in July and it'd be windy – and the pitch isn't the best but we know that and it's something we've got to deal with."
Tom Spillane and Jo Ellul (both knee) are making their way back to full fitness after injury.
