By Saj Chowdhury

For an area the size of Kent, it is a small surprise that only one team from the county graces the English Football League.

Daish won five Ireland caps

But if ex-Republic of Ireland international Liam Daish can fulfil his wishes, then it may not be long before Gillingham are joined by another representative from the 'Garden of England'.

Daish is the manager of Gravesend & Northfleet - a club based at Stonebridge Road in Northfleet.

The stadium holds about 3,500, and along with Grays Athletic's Recreation Ground, is the smallest in the Conference.

Even in the modest climes of the Conference, Gravesend are relative minnows.

But Daish believes the club have turned a big corner.

"The club underwent a huge change this summer, I let about 11 players go and we had some new faces come in," said the 37-year-old, who took over the reins in February 2005.

"But the lads have gelled well and, so far this season, I've been very happy with their performances. We're perhaps one win short of where we really should be in the table."

"I think the fact the whole team are now full-time has helped with the performances.

"We're training during the day and not in evening, so the players' energy levels are at a maximum. They also get a decent recovery time because they don't have to go to work the next morning.

"The squad are more united because of this, whereas last year there wasn't that feeling."

I'm not envious of any of the other sides in the Conference Liam Daish

Daish, whose playing career was curtailed by a knee injury, played for the likes of Birmingham and Coventry - two sides, who, in the grand scheme of English football, are light years ahead of the Fleet.

However, the former defender said he did not pine to be back in among the big boys.

"I haven't set any goals personally. I've just set goals of where I want this team to be. Hopefully, I can get them to reach those targets, " he added.

"I'm not envious of any of the other sides in the Conference either. As far as this season's concerned, I'm happy with my lot. I'd like to think there are a few clubs envious of us."

The Fleet came 16th last season, but the manager is confident of a better end result this campaign.

"I'd like the team to improve on where they finished last time and I honestly reckon we can upset a few people this season."