Former Kingstonian midfielder Josh Casey says he has proved a point over his move to Hampton & Richmond Borough.
The 24-year-old faces his old club for the first time tomorrow in the big Ryman Premier League clash of the weekend between second-placed Hampton and play-off chasing Ks.
Casey’s departure to the Beveree, where he teamed up with former Ks boss Alan Dowson, lead some fans to believe he only quit the club for financial reasons.
Winner: Hampton boss Alan Dowson was awarded the Ryman Premier League manager of the month gong this week after five straight wins going into Saturday's derby clash
But the former Aldershot Town and Salisbury City man has been pleased to set the record straight.
“This is a massive game for me personally, against my old team,” said Casey, right, this week.
“I have a huge amount of respect and time for the chairman Mark Anderson and Tommy Williams and like to think I left on good terms.
“Hampton paid a fee for me when I left and I spoke to the management before I made the move.
“A few of the fans have said I only went for the money, but I left purely for footballing reasons.
“Hampton are second in the table at the moment, so hopefully, I have justified my decision.”
He added: “We are flying at the moment and people are not giving us enough credit for the style of football we are playing.
“We feel invincible. We are going into games feeling like we can beat anyone.
“The team spirit is incredible. If we were to lose a game I know we could quickly get back on a run.”
Hitting the ground running: Jamal Lowe, right, is enjoying his time at Hamptoin & Richmond Borough
“When you consider we have won our past five games and Charlie Moone has barely played, it shows what strength in depth we have.
“Brendan Kiernan should be playing at a lot higher level, so to have him for the rest of the season is a big bonus, while Jamal Lowe, right, has been a real star.
“Our front four are a threat to anyone.”
Kingstonian may be sitting outside the Ryman Premier League top five at present, but Casey is convinced they will remain a promotion threat to Hampton for the duration of the campaign.
Solid performer: Josh Casey was a firm favourite with Kingstonian fans during two seasons at Kingsmeadow
Casey spent two seasons at Kingsmeadow – making 95 appearances – and was part of former boss Alan Dowson’s squad defeated 1-0 in the play-offs by AFC Hornchurch.
Irrespective of Saturday’s result, he believes Ks have the wherewithal to make the end of season shootout for a second time in three seasons.
“They have made some good signings and Tommy Williams has put together a really good squad,” he said.
“They will definitely be in the hunt for the play-offs and should get there, but it is not guaranteed.
He added: “This is a big game. It is not just a game against our nearest rivals, but our promotion rivals, too.
“The result in this game will not decide anything. With games like this anything could happen.
He added: “We want to get promoted via the play-offs or by winning the title.
“The boss is ambitious. Whatever the league and whatever the budget he wants to win and will not tolerate failure.”
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