The ex-professional leads Jersey into the Cimandis Muratti Vase final for the first time and he is confident his fledglings will get the result they are aiming for.
‘It’s a high profile game and we are going to Guernsey to win,’ said Kennedy who promised a number of new caps in his team that will be announced over the weekend because of a few injury worries.
Captain and influential midfielder Dave Brodie is the biggest doubt having aggravated a hamstring injury helping Jersey Scottish win the Upton Park Trophy at Springfield two weeks ago.
‘Dave will have a fitness test tonight and a decision about him will be made shortly after.
He has been an influence for Jersey Scottish this season and he can do the same for Jersey on Sunday.
‘The fitness levels of all the players is very good; it should be because they were playing league and cup matches right up to the weekend before they came to us for the first time.
‘Craig Culkin refreshed their levels with three very tough sessions and the players’ attitudes and commitment has been excellent.
‘We had a full scale game last weekend and we tried a few things out; it all went very well.
I’m sure the players learned a lot from the game too as the management did.’ Kennedy was head youth coach at Alloa Athletic and managed the club’s reserve team so where did he get his inspiration from? ‘I had a mentor called Hugh McCann, he was a very exceptional figure in Scottish football having coached in every division.
‘He set high standards for everyone who worked with him and that has rubbed off on me.
It’s all right having all the coaching badges under the sun but you have to constantly deliver them to keep your self 100 per cent satisfied.
‘It’s all about winning for the supporters, when you win and play badly they are happy because of the result but when you lose and you’ve played well there’s a different taste.
‘As a manager or a coach to get credit you have to win and play well at the same time.
That is our goal for Sunday although we know it will not be easy.
‘Foote’s Lane is a high profile ground but the reports coming back are negative about their playing surface.
Guernsey will be very direct and it’s important that we match their endeavour.
‘I believe we have the better players on the park and that we will win the game.
We’re stressing to the players that they have to earn the right to play and when they do they must give 100 per cent.
I’m a firm believer in that and that is what I want from all of them.
‘Last year Jersey won 3-2 and it was a game either side could well have won.
Both created lots of chances and I see it being no different this time.
‘There will be lots riding on set pieces for both teams.
Guernsey always have a big target man and they look to feed off him and bring their quicker players into play.
‘If they go with that we can cope with it and after that I don’t envisage too many other problems from them providing we remain focused and committed.’
