Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Horsham

John Dalby looks forward to a new season, a new ground- and finally coming home after more than a decade away.

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.

John Dalby, fresh from a trip to the Cornish seaside, demonstrates unheard of- or at least, unheard of for many years- levels of Horsham optimism.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

John in the sunshine at Newquay FC

John in the sunshine at Newquay FC

Last season wasn’t one that will linger long in the memory, as a season of transition saw inconsistency, an early settling for mid-table and a bit of a revolving door for the squad. Given the off-field situation, this was probably as much as could have been hoped for. Among the general mediocrity, there were few bright spots - thumping Ashford in the cup, beating Lewes again and a Boxing Day win in front of a record-low crowd in Guernsey - but my favourite game was the dominant win at promotion seeking Greenwich Borough. A comfortable 2-0 win on the pitch was matched by a great atmosphere in the stands.

2. And your worst moment?

A poor run at the end of the season (just 3 wins in 14) had a few candidates (home defeats to Ramsgate, Walton and Lewes being particularly poor performances) but it’s the cup competitions that left the worst taste - thrashed at home to Herne Bay in the FA Cup and humbled in a woeful capitulation at Cray (8-0) in the Trophy were bad, but the 3-0 defeat to 10-man County League rivals, Pagham, in the Quarter Finals of the Sussex Senior Cup was the biggest embarrassment and wasted opportunity.

3. How will you do this season?

Better. Much better. This is the season fans and officials of the club have been waiting many, many years for. If all goes to plan, we will play our first home game at our own ground since 2008, leaving behind a nomadic existence that has seen other grounds in Horsham, Worthing and Lancing operating as temporary homes for the Hornets. The excitement of this prospect is being matched by some seemingly shrewd summer squad building, as the team starts to take shape. Manager Dom di Paola, who will be starting his 4th full season as Horsham boss, has sought to address some of the more obvious issues from last season, with a number of experienced goalscorers being brought in and defensive additions made to add numbers and solidity to an area that was too often exposed. The restructure this season gives the league an unpredictable feel and a number of teams will start with visions of glory. With a good start, and the new boys settling early, there’s no reason to think a push for the play-offs is unreasonable. I would expect a “new ground” bounce when we do move back home, and if the timing of that coincides with us being in-touch at the top, then I fully expect something better than mid-table.

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

Ashford and Sittingbourne bring fans with a good amount of noise and there’s always El Insectico with the Wasps from East Grinstead, but the one circled on my calendar is the Easter trip to Guernsey - as this will be my first time to Footes Lane.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Of this season’s opponents, probably Whyteleafe. Nice setting and very decent micropub nearby (The Radius)

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

We’ve lost traditional rivals Lewes, while the new teams to the division are relatively familiar faces. We don’t have a great deal of history with the more local teams - Haywards Heath and Three Bridges. Maybe Hastings United.

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

That depends on when you are coming! If it’s in the early part of the season, we’re still in Lancing. The Stanley Ale House is great for pre-match beers and ciders and the ground itself has all the facilities you’d expect of the home of the Sussex County FA. If, however, you are lucky enough to be visiting us when we have returned home, then I can’t tell you much!! The ground is out of the town centre, but will have ample parking at the neighbouring park and ride. There will be a clubhouse and it will have food and drink, but I don’t have the specifics on those at the moment!!

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

I went for Phil Somers last season and I see no reason to change that - he was a Scholes-like midfielder from the 90’s and helped forge my love of the club.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Cray Wanderers, Greenwich Borough, Herne Bay, Thamesmead Town, Hastings United

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Haywards Heath Town Stu Morgan introduces Bostik South East new boys Haywards Heath Town
New Angel, New Mackerel Man- and Phoenix Ben becomes a Gill! Transfer news from Tonbridge, Sports and Worthing

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