Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Grays Athletic

We asked supporters of our Bostik League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Here are the views of Glyn, Vice-Chairman of Grays Athletic but- as with most of our officials- a supporter first!

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Watching the indefatigable Witham Town number one fan, the wonderful James Beardwell, singing his heart out throughout our home match against them, despite Grays “edging” the game 4-1. He was just as cheerful in our boardroom afterwards as we made him our guest of honour for the day.

2. And your worst moment?

Losing 6-3 at home to Canvey when our first-choice keeper was unavailable. It might have only been a 5-3 defeat if he had played!

3. How will you do this season?

Another tough season for us without our own ground. We will beaver away on our “Back to Grays” campaign, which we hope will soon bear fruit with news on a plot of land in the borough to call our own. I reckon there are probably ten teams who believe they have a good chance of getting promoted this season. I would put us just outside that group this time around.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Our Thurrock derbies against our landlords, Aveley, and Tilbury are always keenly contested on and off the pitch. Our recent record against them isn’t bad, but both their squads are looking very impressive from the signings they have made, so it will make for four very interesting games. Apart from that, we have Coggeshall Town and Felixstowe & Walton United, who are not only newcomers to our league, but it will the first time we have ever played them to my knowledge.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

This season, I think AFC Sudbury comes out on top. Great facilities, nice people and we owe them one after losing there 1-0 in the final game of last season.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Traditionally, it would be Tilbury, given their proximity to Grays and after so many great battles with them over so many years. Now, I think I should also add Aveley, who are resurgent following their move to their fantastic Parkside facilities. They were very good to us when we were in danger of losing our senior status and offered us a ground share at their old Mill Field home in 2013. They continue to be good landlords, but on the pitch there will be strong rivalry, especially with bigger crowds now expected at their very well-appointed stadium.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Get to Aveley FC early to soak up the atmosphere at this newest ground in the division. Make sure you visit me and others at the table just inside the turnstiles to buy a programme, raffle tickets, club merchandise and anything else our 100% supporter-owned club can offer you! The Aveley FC bar and refreshment kiosk are also a must for the thirsty and the hungry.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

That’s a very difficult call after watching and supporting Grays since 1958. 60 years of support means I’ve seen a lot of very good players (and some not so good ones). I’ll go for one I first saw when I was only about twelve years of age - a goalkeeper called Malcolm Shaw. The side he played in at that time wasn’t so strong, but time and again, he would produce wonderful saves to keep us in a game, or win it for us. He became an England Amateur international after he moved on to Walthamstow Avenue and also toured abroad with the famous Middlesex Wanderers. In 2012, he was inducted into the first Grays Athletic FC “Hall of Fame”. There was an away game I missed in April 1963 when we were hammered 12-0 away at runaway Athenian League Champions, Enfield and Shaw was named Man of the Match for his heroics that day!

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Heybridge Swifts, Canvey Island, Coggeshall Town, Bowers & Pitsea, AFC Sudbury