On tonight's episode, catch an exclusive interview with Jake Hill ahead of the first BTCC round at Brands Hatch and we look back at the week Gillingham announced their new manager, Mark Bonner.
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00:00 Hello, and welcome along to Invictus Sport, the only show on your TV dedicated to wrapping
00:17 up all of Kent's sporting action.
00:19 I'm Bartholomew Hall and here's what to expect on this Friday the 10th of May.
00:25 Making a fresh start, Gillingham announces former Cambridge United manager Mark Bonner
00:30 as their new boss.
00:32 In reaching distance, Jake Hill eyes up first British Touring Car title and the best recovery.
00:40 Former Ashford soldier and Invictus Games medallist tells us why sport changed his life.
00:48 But first as always a round up of the headlines and Medway's Holcombe Hockey Club have said
00:52 goodbye to Barry Middleton, who's leaving his role of player head coach after 11 years
00:57 at the club.
00:58 Middleton is England's most capped player with 432.
01:02 He joined Holcombe in 2013.
01:04 Initially as a player, he went on to become director of hockey 11 years later in 2022.
01:10 During his time, the midfielder has led Holcombe to consecutive top four regular season finishes,
01:15 whilst also playing a key role in the England and Team GB set-ups.
01:20 He comes as the club has announced his replacement Trinidad and Tobago international Kwan Brown.
01:26 Maidstone United have announced a shake-up of their women's football offering with former
01:30 Ipswich Town striker joining the Galaga as their new player manager.
01:36 Maidstone finished 8th out of 11 teams in the South East County's Premier League division
01:42 this season, which is step seven of the women's pyramid.
01:45 The Stones are eager to get their women's first team moving up through the leagues in
01:49 the coming seasons.
01:50 Speaking this week, the new boss says she wants to play an attractive style of football,
01:55 which will lead them to the success they're looking for.
01:58 Sticking with football, Gillingham have announced this week the signing of a new first team
02:01 manager themselves.
02:02 Mark Bonner will join Priestfield.
02:04 The former Cambridge United manager was appointed just one week on from the sacking of Steven
02:09 Clements.
02:10 Chairman Brad Gallinson says he was keen to get a new manager in as soon as possible after
02:14 interviewing potential candidates.
02:17 Speaking to the press this week, the new boss discussed his vision for the squad, the chance
02:21 of taking the team back into League One and the highly anticipated release of the club's
02:25 retained list.
02:26 "I'd like it to look at an incredibly energetic team that plays to outscore the opposition
02:32 but is incredibly difficult to beat.
02:34 That's the dream ticket, I think.
02:36 A real energy about you.
02:38 I did a little bit of digging into the club's slogan, which is a lovely Latin phrase that
02:45 I really would struggle to pronounce.
02:48 But loose translation, 'the home of the shouting men' made me think, well, that speaks a little
02:52 bit about personality and anything about a home talks about, makes you think about family
02:56 and a togetherness.
02:57 So I hope that we see a real together team that plays with an abundance of personality
03:02 to take on the mantle and the ambitions that the club has got.
03:06 Because it doesn't take much to know what the ambitions are.
03:09 Everyone else has said it out loud, so I can't backtrack from that point now.
03:12 But that's part of the sell for me being here, I'm excited by that.
03:16 So we'll build a team that we think is the right one.
03:19 There's lots of considerations there.
03:20 The scope is there to add to the coaching staff, obviously.
03:23 And I'm working on that at the moment.
03:25 So again, we hope maybe a week, ten days down the line we're in a position to do it.
03:29 One of the beauties, we've got that little bit of time, so it's not something we have
03:33 to rush.
03:34 It's not something we want to take two months over.
03:36 But we'll make sure we've got a strong team.
03:37 And there's some existing staff here in different positions that are really strong, really good
03:41 people.
03:42 We've spoken to them briefly already and we'll spend a lot more time together next week.
03:44 So I'm excited to work with those and excited to bring those in as and when the chance comes.
03:50 But I would be wrong to comment on any individuals or any situation there.
03:54 But we'll certainly make some additions there as well.
03:57 Exciting months ahead for Gillingham.
03:59 I mentioned there the new women's team manager of Maidstone United.
04:02 But I didn't mention her name.
04:04 Torrie Campbell is the new player manager at the Gallagher in their women's squad.
04:08 You can hear more about that as well as more on Gillingham's summer ahead by reading Kent
04:12 Online.
04:13 And you can also sign up for all the latest news by signing up to your Gilles newsletter
04:21 directly to your email inbox.
04:23 Just search Kent Online email alerts, sign up on the website for all the latest written
04:26 transfer news, match reports and interviews.
04:29 And when you're there, you can also select to get all the latest non-league news directly
04:33 into your inbox also.
04:36 Moving on this weekend, the British Touring Car Championship will return to Kent with
04:39 Platz Heath racer Jake Hill in prime position to take his second career win at Brands Hatch.
04:46 Speaking to me earlier this week, the 30 year old racer says he's eager to grab the chance
04:50 for his first title after finishing third in the past two seasons.
04:54 As well as racing, we also spoke about his venture into historic racing, the birth of
04:58 his son and how he views the rest of his career panning out.
05:02 Take a look.
05:03 And I'm joined by Jake now.
05:05 Jake, thank you very much for being here with us.
05:07 Welcome on to the program.
05:08 First of all, let's look back to the first round of the British Touring Car Championship
05:12 season.
05:13 Two podiums for yourself at Donington.
05:15 Brilliant start.
05:17 Absolutely.
05:18 You know, it's it's always a challenge racing at the highest level in British touring cars.
05:23 And you never really know what sort of package you're going to have until you get to round
05:28 one.
05:29 You know, there's lots of variables.
05:30 You don't know what other teams have been up to, what other drivers have been up to
05:33 in the offseason and what sort of strides forward they have made.
05:37 But we were fairly confident in our package at Laser Tools Racing.
05:41 And, you know, it proved to be to be good, a good one.
05:44 You know, we ended up with two third place finishes and a fifth place in the reverse
05:48 grid draw.
05:49 So, yeah, overall, I'm extremely happy with how the how the first round went.
05:54 And you mentioned the variables there.
05:56 One of them was, of course, the rain.
05:57 It kind of sent the weekend into a bit of a rearrangement.
06:00 What's that like for you as a driver when you're ready to go?
06:03 And then plans get changed at the last minute.
06:05 Yeah, it's actually the first time we've had or I've had such a delay, you know, in my
06:11 time in British touring cars.
06:12 I mean, you know, wow, we didn't get going until sort of half one and normally the first
06:16 race is around 11, which I know doesn't sound a massive difference.
06:20 But we were the first race, you know, whereas normally there's lots of races all starting
06:25 from 9 a.m.
06:26 So it was an awful lot of rain.
06:28 A huge thank you to all the fans that attended and all of our partners, because, you know,
06:33 it could have been very easy excuse to stay at home.
06:36 But I'm glad everyone came out and, you know, we managed to put on a good show for everyone.
06:40 That was the main thing.
06:41 But it definitely, you know, upset the day in terms of rhythm.
06:46 Normally you have a set time in between races to get yourself prepared, you know, even silly
06:52 little things like eat and drink the right stuff, talk to partners.
06:56 And unfortunately, you know, all of that sort of went out the window a little bit and we
07:00 had to just go and do it on the fly.
07:02 So but still, we were good.
07:04 We're prepared.
07:05 And like I say, you know, we came away with three strong results.
07:08 Absolutely.
07:09 And Brands Hatch next, of course, back to your home Kent circuit.
07:13 What's it like coming back to Kent?
07:15 Obviously, last time out at Brands Hatch was the season finale.
07:18 You got a win.
07:19 I did.
07:20 Yeah, I won the last round, round 30.
07:23 And finally, my first win on the GP circuit at Brands Hatch in a touring car.
07:29 So I'd won there in my lower categories.
07:32 But it was a fantastic end to what was a good season last year.
07:35 But I'm extremely excited to go back to the Indy circuit.
07:39 You know, as you say, it's my home circuit.
07:41 I'm a Kent boy through and through.
07:43 And I absolutely love it there, you know.
07:44 So I'm really, really excited to see how we get on.
07:47 We're making big strides again with the car.
07:49 Donington was an amazing learning curve for us with effectively our new 3 Series BMW.
07:56 And I'm super excited to get to Brands now.
07:58 Can't wait.
07:59 I wanted to ask about the car, actually, because it's your third season in the BMW.
08:04 And it's brought you some real success.
08:05 I mean, third in both of the previous seasons.
08:08 How do you feel about what was the potential of converting that into your first championship?
08:12 Yeah, for sure.
08:14 I mean, that's always the aim, you know.
08:16 I mean, to be honest, especially since we've driven for BMW, you know, that was one of
08:20 the big reasons for moving to BMW, simply because it gave me the opportunity to potentially
08:25 win a championship.
08:26 And, you know, for the last two years, I've finished in third place in the championship,
08:30 which is obviously pretty strong.
08:32 But we want to go one step further and try and win this thing once and for all.
08:35 So hopefully we can.
08:37 As I say, Team BMW and BMW UK themselves have put a lot of effort into this year's car.
08:44 We've got a new engine.
08:45 We've got massive chassis upgrades and we've got a complete sort of aero/facelift going
08:51 on with our 3 Series BMW bodywork as well.
08:53 So there's a lot of changes with the car.
08:56 It really does feel like a new car and that's why we're still sort of learning it.
09:01 But I must say, as something straight out of the box, it's pretty good.
09:04 And as is such the life of a racing driver, it's not just the BMW you've been riding recently.
09:11 You were also at Goodwood a few weeks ago riding that Mustang.
09:14 What was that experience like?
09:16 Yeah, returning to Goodwood members meeting.
09:19 It truly is my favourite historic racing meeting that I do.
09:23 You know, I have such a big career now in historic racing.
09:26 It's not just British touring cars.
09:27 And I always love being invited and going back to Goodwood.
09:30 It's such a pleasure.
09:32 The circuit is beautiful.
09:33 Everything about the event is amazing.
09:35 And this year we were lucky enough to drive a 1966 Mustang in the all Mustang race, which
09:41 was just an absolute blast.
09:43 There were some amazing drivers in it.
09:45 And obviously the cars are pretty cool themselves.
09:47 And I also returned into my Jittan Ford Capri as well, my three litre Capri.
09:53 So yeah, overall, it was a fantastic weekend and we managed to score a third place with
09:59 the Mustang as well.
10:00 So another fantastic start.
10:03 And just to go off track slightly, since last season, you and your partner have had a baby.
10:08 You're now a dad.
10:09 What's that life treating like?
10:11 Oh, it's fantastic.
10:12 You know, I mean, I'm sure everyone who's had children always say it's the best thing
10:17 that happens to you.
10:18 There is a slight sleep deprivation, I must say, for the first few months, but we're getting
10:23 over it.
10:24 And yeah, it's a real joy.
10:25 I love having him at the races.
10:28 You know, he came to Goodwood and to Donington for the first round of touring cars.
10:31 And it's really special to have him there and have, you know, your family there now.
10:36 It's amazing feeling really.
10:37 But yeah, overall, me and Hannah are well and little baby Jude is great.
10:42 So yeah, I can't complain really.
10:44 Life's pretty good.
10:45 No, it's good stuff.
10:46 Now, we'll wrap up in just a second.
10:49 But I just wanted to ask when you think about your career, it's your 11th season in the
10:52 BTC now.
10:54 Do you see yourself kind of looking back more or looking forward into the future more?
10:59 Oh, definitely still looking forward.
11:01 I mean, you know, I've had an amazing career so far.
11:04 I mean, you know, I've been doing it, you know, best part of sort of 14, 15 years now
11:09 racing cars.
11:10 So, you know, for sure, my career is quite long already, but I still feel like I'm absolutely
11:15 in the prime.
11:17 And also, you know, there's so many really good things to look forward to.
11:21 I mean, hopefully trying to win a championship in the British touring cars is obviously rule
11:25 number one and goal number one to try and achieve.
11:28 But, you know, I'd love to go and do some sports car racing and try and get into endurance
11:31 racing in the future.
11:34 But for now, I'm extremely happy with touring cars and there's still a lot of life left.
11:38 Good stuff.
11:39 Well, I look forward to celebrating it all here on the programme.
11:41 Thank you very much for joining me, Jake, and best of luck with the rest of the season.
11:44 Thank you so much.
11:45 Thanks for having me.
11:46 Well, we've reached half time, which means it is now time for a break.
11:50 But coming up, we'll have plenty more news sport from across the county.
11:57 Bye bye.
12:05 Hello and welcome back to Invicta Sport live on KMTV.
12:11 Really good to have you still with us.
12:13 Now, it's time to remind you that you can keep up to date with all the latest sports
12:16 news, interviews and features from right here on the show by heading over to our website
12:20 KMTV.co.uk.
12:21 When you're there, click on the sports tab because you'll see videos like this one about
12:26 a footy club in Thanet, which is aiming to dispel misconceptions around men's mental
12:31 health with their weekly talking football sessions.
12:34 Take a look.
12:35 You might have heard of walking football.
12:37 Now here's talking football.
12:39 The beautiful game has a not so beautiful reputation for being overly macho with aggressive
12:45 tackles and even more aggressive fans sometimes.
12:49 But does football need to start kicking from the other end?
12:53 The Talking Football Project's motto is "Talk, Football, Talk" and it also describes their
12:57 sessions.
12:59 Every week, anywhere from 12 to 30 men will meet up at the AstroTurf pitch in Minster,
13:03 gather around the centre circle and talk about their subject of the week.
13:07 This week's was anxiety.
13:09 We come together as a group of men every week.
13:11 We've got 40, 45 to 50 people which is at the moment on our sessions.
13:15 We get together every week, we talk, we play football, we talk some more.
13:19 That's pretty much it in a nutshell.
13:20 The idea is to open up about how you're feeling, how you're doing, play a bit of football and
13:24 hopefully then you should feel a bit better about yourself.
13:25 We have a continual support group.
13:27 We run a WhatsApp group throughout the week where people can drop in and say like I'm
13:30 not feeling well, not feeling good, I'm unhappy about something or even if they're sharing
13:35 good news, you know, just got a new job or something, you know, it's a continual support
13:39 network.
13:40 It's not just once, one hour a week, it's continual.
13:42 Afterwards each footballer in the circle will rate how they feel on a scale of 1 to 11.
13:47 Some were higher up while others were lower but there was no judgement.
13:51 Then the football kicks off with an hour of 8 a side.
13:55 I joined in for the last few minutes but failed to score any goals.
13:58 The match ended 6-5 but at the end of the day that wasn't the score that seemed to matter.
14:04 Afterwards the group gathers again and says their score with the hope being that the number
14:08 improved after the session.
14:11 When I was 20, 25, 30 nobody talked and now this sort of, you know, obviously there's
14:20 plenty of other mental health sessions and programmes and courses, projects around these
14:26 days, it's so important and I think the fact that it's highlighted regularly now on media,
14:34 social media, etc.
14:35 I think it brings it to light.
14:37 With statistics like 77% of men suffering from common mental health symptoms like anxiety,
14:42 depression or stress, Minster FC decided to sponsor the project.
14:47 Talking Football also received a sponsorship from the mental health charity Rethink Mental
14:51 Illness.
14:52 With a new era of mental health awareness, football as a whole might need to follow suit,
14:57 starting in Thamet.
14:59 Finn McDermott for KMTV.
15:03 Next night, Ashford's Invictus Games medallist Johnny Ball is gearing up to take part in
15:07 this year's Ride London.
15:09 It's a 100 mile cycle challenge through some of the capital's most famous streets and the
15:13 Essex countryside.
15:15 Well back in 2019, the former soldier was left with life changing injuries after finding
15:20 himself in a motorcycle accident.
15:22 After getting back on his feet in September's Invictus Games, he's now taking to two wheels
15:27 after years off of them.
15:29 Well joining me on the line now is Johnny.
15:31 Johnny, thank you very much for being here.
15:33 Welcome back onto the programme.
15:34 Now before we get to talking about your Ride London preparation, I want to start by asking
15:39 you about a certain royal visit that you took part in this week.
15:42 Of course, Prince Harry celebrating 10 years of the Invictus Games at St Paul's.
15:47 Tell me about how that all went.
15:50 It was simply a massive honour to be in our national symbol of resilience really, St Paul's.
15:55 It survived the Blitz and it was packed full of people with their own individual stories
16:00 of resilience.
16:01 So there was no better place to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Invictus Games
16:06 Foundation and the amazing work and impact it's had on the lives of people like me and
16:11 our families.
16:12 And yes, the Governor, the Founder was there, Prince Harry, and it was absolutely amazing
16:20 to have him back in amongst the family of the Invictus Games.
16:25 And I didn't get to speak to him, but there were certainly some glances around the room,
16:28 people trying to catch his eye because he did spend so much time with us out in the
16:32 Games.
16:33 So I did get to have a good chat with him about my family and my injury during the Games
16:38 itself.
16:39 Yeah, of course.
16:40 And you mentioned there, obviously, that you did get to meet him back at the Games in September.
16:45 He's clearly had quite a big impact on you through the work that he's done with the Invictus
16:49 Games, would you say?
16:51 I think so, because without Prince Harry's leadership, our relationship, our nation's
16:58 relationship with veterans would be far different.
17:00 I think he's progressed the way in which we view veterans in this country.
17:05 There are just over two million veterans in this country, which is a sizable constituency
17:09 of people.
17:10 And you have to think about their families and friends involved as well.
17:13 So about one in 20 people are veterans in the country.
17:16 So the work that he's done and using the vehicle and the power of sport has really progressed,
17:23 particularly how busy we've been as a nation in conflicts over the last sort of 20 years.
17:28 He's really shifted the dial in the way in which we view veterans and one in which we
17:33 don't ask to be of anyone to feel sorry for us and kind of shifting the dial from a view
17:39 of sympathy to one of empathy, just getting to know us through our stories.
17:44 So we'll be always grateful to Prince Harry for that work.
17:47 Of course.
17:48 And kind of talking about bringing people together with a similar or shared background.
17:52 You spoke to us before about the Invictus Games, about the kind of camaraderie between
17:55 countries even as well, the kind of sharing and swapping of flags.
17:59 When you were there the other day, did you have a chance to meet a few faces that you've
18:03 met before?
18:04 I saw my teammates naturally from Germany, loads of them.
18:08 And you're just yourself, you're in good company.
18:11 There's a unspokenness when you're in those situations because everyone has been through
18:15 something and that it's really quite special.
18:18 But beyond that, there were athletes from previous games that I've got to know, people
18:22 that I went to get advice before I applied myself.
18:25 So that community extends from our own micro community of Team UK in 2023.
18:31 But even beyond that, the international athletes, Dean was there from Nigeria.
18:36 Now Dean is a double amputee from his arms.
18:40 And I had the pleasure of being out in Colorado with the Armed Forces Paris Snow Sport Team,
18:45 where Dean was a guest from Nigeria through the Invictus Games Foundation and actually
18:50 learned to snowboard.
18:51 They said that someone without any arms couldn't do it.
18:54 And he did.
18:55 So it was a delight to see Dean in St. Paul's as well as part of this global movement.
19:00 And you mentioned the Ride London at the end of the month.
19:03 There are a number of athletes coming over from including from Ukraine to participate
19:08 in Ride London.
19:09 So this family extends beyond our shores and brings us together.
19:13 That shared sense of recovery and the shared sense of service as well, because we've all
19:17 served in the Armed Forces.
19:18 Perfect segue, actually, because I was going to move on to the Ride London, of course.
19:22 I wanted to know how you got into this challenge because you'll be raising money for the Invictus
19:27 Games Foundation.
19:30 Raising money for the Invictus Foundation is really important to me.
19:33 It's my way of giving back.
19:35 The Invictus Games movement has brought me back.
19:38 It's given me back.
19:40 You just have to ask my wife.
19:42 My little girl's only known me as injured.
19:43 So she's really seen the change, a positive change in me since I engaged with sports recovery
19:49 through the Royal British Legion and the Invictus Games.
19:52 So Ride London for me is a big one because the source of my trauma in 2019, almost five
19:57 years to the day, was a two-wheeled one, a motorcycle accident.
20:01 Now I'd previously enjoyed cycling, but I'd given it up.
20:04 The bike was hanging up on the garage wall.
20:06 I didn't touch it.
20:07 I was naturally anxious.
20:09 But thanks to the Invictus movement and the training I received from our coaches at the
20:14 British Legion in the run-up to the Games, I was able to get back on two wheels again.
20:19 And since the Games, I've, for the very first time, been out on a bike with my four-year-old
20:24 little girl.
20:25 And I can't tell you what that means to me.
20:28 That's what sport has given me.
20:29 That's what Invictus has given to me.
20:30 So I've done Ride London before, twice before, on the Surrey Hills route, not this new route,
20:36 but I haven't done it post-injury.
20:39 So I'm missing a quad.
20:41 I'm missing my leg was reconstructed using my quad.
20:46 So it's got a physical challenge, but it's also got a psychological challenge.
20:48 And I've actually been out today riding my bike and smashed out a quick 35-miler around
20:53 the countryside.
20:54 So that's a real progress with my recovery, having the confidence to do so.
20:59 And that's what Invictus gives people like me.
21:01 Well, Johnny, thank you very much for joining us.
21:04 It's a really remarkable, inspiring story that you have.
21:07 And I'm sure many people watching and listening to you will be inspired to maybe even take
21:11 up some sport in their own lives.
21:13 And thank you very much for joining us.
21:14 Really appreciate it.
21:16 Thank you.
21:17 Now, we've reached full time on today's episode, but there's just a few minutes of extra time
21:20 to take a look at this week's Action Replay.
21:23 It's the segment where we take a look at clips and pictures that you, the KMTV audience,
21:26 have sent in of you taking part in sport.
21:30 Let's take a look at what we've got in store on this week's Action Replay.
21:35 We start this week's Action Replay with a trip to Kent's only city where sporting fever
21:39 has found its way to the high street.
21:42 Sports Connect UK hosted an afternoon of boxing, football, rugby and sim racing, all in the
21:46 aim of engaging with the community to improve safety and create a positive local impact.
21:52 Next up, we're in Chatham on the River Medway, where pedalo trips have been launched.
21:55 This unicorn is one of four quad seater pedalos available for hire across the weekend this
21:59 summer.
22:00 Modelled here by the organisers at Chatham Maritime Water Sports Centre, you can put
22:04 your legs to the test and propel yourself across Medway's very own.
22:07 And last but not least, as the final whistle is blown on football pitches across the county,
22:11 it's a time for reflection, so we're highlighting our goal of the season.
22:15 Kent saw many underdog stories in the FA Cup this season, from the success of Maidstone
22:18 to the tribulations of Ramsgate, but nothing quite says making a mark as Bessie Saldana's
22:23 opening goal against League Two side Walsall, aside four leagues above them in the Pyramids.
22:28 That's it for this week's Action Replay.
22:30 Don't forget, it could be you in next week's edition.
22:33 Just send in your pictures and videos on social media, or to sport@kmtv.co.uk.
22:39 Thank you Jamie.
22:40 If you want to appear in next week's edition of Action Replay, then you absolutely can.
22:44 As he said just then, all you need to do is send in your clips and pictures now.
22:50 Action Replay, as you just saw, is the segment where we feature pictures and videos of Kent
22:53 and you, the KMTV audience, taking part in sport.
22:56 Whatever it is you do, we'll show it here on the programme.
23:00 Just make sure you tag us on social media @kmtvkent, or send us an email to sport@kmtv.co.uk.
23:07 It's my favourite part of the show, so please do take part.
23:10 This is your show at the end of the day.
23:14 Well that is full time on today's episode of Invicta Sport.
23:16 If you want more from KMTV, then you can watch all of our other special programmes by heading
23:21 to our website, kmtv.co.uk.
23:23 There you'll see the likes of the Kent Politics Show, Made in Kent, Kent on Climate and the
23:28 Kent Film Club.
23:29 All available, as I said, by heading to kmtv.co.uk.
23:31 I'll be back on Monday with plenty more sport from across the county, but for now, goodbye.
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