Former Kingstonian hero Eddie Akuamoah says he will treat his return to his former club like any other game.

The 29-year-old, now at Sutton United, makes his first appearance at Kingsmeadow since being released at the end of last season after eight glorious years.

The attacking midfielder won the Ryman League title and two FA Trophy winners medals during his time at the club.

But according to Akuamoah his sights are set on denying his former employers three points.

"I'm not really thinking about proving any points, just helping Sutton win the game on Boxing Day," he said.

"I've nothing to prove to Steve Sedgley or any of the Kingston people. They know I gave the club good service.

"I enjoyed Kingstonian. I had more success in the last three or four years than the average footballer at this level has in his entire career.

"The two FA Trophy wins, the Ryman League championship and the FA cup run last season were all highlights."

Akuamoah says the pressure at Kingsmeadow won't be as fierce as the reception he received after moving from Carshalton Athletic to Kingstonian in 1993.

He added: "I was booed mercilessly when I went back to Colston Avenue. It was only my second or third game for Ks.

"The same thing happened last season to Tarkan Mustafa when he came back to Kingston with Rushden.

"I still speak to Tarkan about it. I'm looking forward to seeing the fans.

"They held an evening for me and Geoff Chapple two or three months ago.

"They were very good to me and Geoff that night. It was very emotional."

Opposite

On the opposite side will be Ks' former Sutton United winger Danny Bolt.

Bolt, 26, who played for Sutton last season scoring 25 goals is relishing the chance of putting one over on his former manager John Rains.

He added: "I'm looking forward to the game. It's a local derby and the fans have been waiting for this game for months.

"I still go down to Gander Green Lane to see a few of the lads. There are people at Sutton like Rob Haworth and their coach Mick Cook who I grew up with.

"I hope we beat Sutton five or 6-0, but a few of the Sutton players want the same thing to happen to us.

"As well as me, Danny Brooker, Scott Corbett and Eddie Akuamoah all want to do well against our former clubs.

"I've nothing to prove to Sutton. They know what I can do. This is a big game for both sides."

l Kingstonian travel club have a supporters coach travelling to their clash at Enfield on New Years Day.

To book your seat on the coach call Tim Wells on 020 8942 9830.

December 27, 2001 15:30