Butts 'rejoices' after dream start

Aug 27 2008 Ryman Premier By Paul Warburton, Staines News

MARK BUTLER is determined to enjoy Ashford Town on top of the Ryman Premier - and the Tangerines boss proved it by watching the table continuously roll around on TV following Monday's win at Hendon.

Sky Sports News now features the Premier, so that once everyone returned to Short Lane following the 3-0 triumph in north London, there was a loud cheer in the bar from fans, players and manager each time they saw their team on the screen.

"Mind you," said Butler (left), "I watched it come up only three or so times. But from what I can gather, they had it fixed on the channel all night - and they were still cheering at the end."

The Tangerines boss has rubbished the traditional notion that it's early days and no reason to get excited.

Instead, he has demanded his troops enjoy the moment but insists they get their heads down when they return to training this evening.

He added: "I know there are people who think there's no point in having a table this early. But we're four games in with a 100 per cent record - and there's been plenty of times in the past when we've been at the bottom and had to suffer.

"This time we're going to get some fun out of it."

Butler revealed it's clicked into place all over the pitch, but especially for striker Byron Harrison who netted goal number five this season in the win over Hendon.

However, according to his manager, the forward's sharpshooting is because he's keeping one step ahead of the others breathing down his neck.

"Competition is one of the reasons for Byron's early success," explained the manager. "We've got Gavin Smith, Jon Palmer and Scott Todd who can't get in the team at the moment - and naturally, they're cheesed off about it.

"I've told them they'll get their chance to impress."