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More on KentOnline
Lordswood’s final training session before lockdown was spent in the bar.
They hit the Martyn Grove clubhouse on Tuesday night for a few beers and plenty of laughs as a competition to draw pictures of each other was judged.
Ex-keeper Dan Smith was brave - he chose to draw manager Neil Hunter - with his effort finishing runner-up to physio Lauren King’s sketch of midfielder Jason Perry.
It was the latest idea of assistant boss Michael Dodsworth, who has kept things light with a series of squad challenges at the Southern Counties East club this season.
“I was quite happy with mine although I did tell Dan I might have to beat him up in the car park afterwards,” joked Lords boss Hunter.
“He drew me with a fag in my mouth. Pre-game I normally go round by the turnstiles and have a quick smoke and that’s me done until after the game!
“That one was never going to win but Lauren’s picture of Jason Perry was a cracking drawing.
“It was a great night. There were a couple of boys who had to drive, and couldn’t have a drink, but I’d say I was probably the biggest lightweight.
“I stopped drinking for 20 years before I came here - they got me started again!”
The evening also included a competition for the best-dressed player, won by Ryan Turner, with Dodsworth never short of ideas for a Lords side who see team spirit as vital.
“Doddsy comes up with all sorts,” said Hunter. "It’s something different every week.
“One week they all had to bring a different tin of soup to the game, we’ve had vegetables and another week they had to bring something battery-operated.
"Some of the stuff’s been hilarious.
“When we do it at away games, everyone looks at you as if to say, ‘What on earth is going on?'
“It’s good because it releases a bit of pressure before a game.
“If you can't enjoy football, what are you doing it for?
“Someone said to me when I took over that if you don’t enjoy, you stop doing it.
“For me, family is massive, and football feels like an extended family.
“Everyone gets on so well, we’re really close-knit and that will stand us in good stead.
“Our results haven’t been great but we’ve changed the way we play and I’m sure we’ll be fine.
“We’ve been playing well, losing games by the odd goal.”
