Ebbsfleet United’s newest recruit has hit the ground running in his first week of training with his new teammates. Charlie Sheringham spoke to FleetOnline after completing his first week at the club’s new training complex – and echoed what every footballer probably feels in the first week of July, claiming it’s nice to back on the field but it’s equally hard work.
“Training’s going really smoothly,” Sheringham said. “It’s very tough but good all the same. All the players are settling in here well. The training facilities were a key factor in me signing. I spoke to the gaffer before signing, came down to look at the setup and Steve Brown explained all the club’s aims and the direction it’s going in and that clinched it.
“Obviously I played against Ebbsfleet a couple of times for Dartford and then you got the impression it was a good club with a good fanbase but to be honest I didn’t know much more than that until I spoke to the gaffer and a few people about the club. After full-time football in the League, I wanted to push on and having to return to work was obviously not really the preferred option. I spoke to a few clubs in the south of England but Ebbsfleet fit the bill in a lot of ways. It was near home, I’m based in north London, so I didn’t need to move away.”
Sheringham wasn’t a complete stranger on day one of training, having learned the basics of his trade alongside Billy Bricknell as a child. “I was in the same Sunday team as Billy from about seven to 12 years old. I’ve also played with Aiden Palmer and against Kenny Clark a few times, so it wasn’t all unfamiliar. From the first week it’s clear we have a few players for every position, or capable of playing in every position, so the competition for places will be tough. Which is a good thing.”
And the striker – who netted 30 goals in 46 games for neighbours Dartford – refused to be drawn on his targets for the season. “The idea is to score in every game, that’s my job and what I’m here to do. I have a target in my head but it’s not something I’m going to put out there.”
And asked the inevitable question about his famous father, Charlie assured us that Sheringham Snr was likely to make an appearance or two – from the stands! – at Stonebridge Road. “He should be at the majority of home games, when his time allows as he’s coaching at West Ham now. Obviously I watched him a lot growing up and you take any guidance on board to improve your game.”
