Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Brightlingsea Regent

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Gavin Aplin, representing Brightlingsea Regent.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Favourite moment from last season is a tough one to pick. It was such an amazing and historic season so many stand out. Obviously there was the game at home to Romford where we were confirmed as league champions., and the game away at Ware when we went six points clear at the top of the table as our closest rivals Maldon & Tiptree dropped points. However the one that stands out was at home early season to Thamesmead. We had been really patchy in performance up until then and were 3 - 1 down in this game late into the second half. Emotions were high and the ground was pretty full due to losing one of our Sunday team players the previous day in tragic circumstances. The team dug in really deep and had pulled it back to 3 - 3 when Aaron Condon scored the winner deep into added on time. The release of tension within the ground was palpable and it showed what a tight group of players and club we have and was a turning point in our season.

2. And what was the worst moment?

My worst moment was away at Norwich United. We never turned up and it was arguably the most disappointing trip and overall performance of the season. We got well and truly stuffed and no one really emerged with any credit. Close behind that would be away at Bury Town. We had a bright ten minutes or so and then completely fell apart.

3. How will you do this season?

It really is tough to say. The club has never been at this step before and it has been such a quick rise through the leagues over the last ten years that we have not really had a chance to catch breath. For me as long as we do ourselves justice as a club on and off the pitch and stick to what we believe in I think we will be happy. We have a close-knit group of players who have played together for a while now and I am sure James Webster and his management team will add one or two more. To stay up would arguably be as big as winning the league last season but I really believe if we click and learn quickly about playing at this level we could look for a top ten finish.

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

I am looking forward to visiting Dulwich Hamlet because of their history and crowd numbers. Also Billericay Town to see the massive changes they have made recently both with the ground and with the team.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I’ve only been to a few grounds in the Premier Division. I went to Met Police in the cup last season and that had good facilities, and Enfield is decent.

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

Difficult to pick a rival. Last year it would have been Maldon & Tiptree due to location and the battle for the title. In the Prem it will be geographical again I guess; so Needham Market, Harlow and Billericay. Our traditional local rivals such as Wivenhoe Town play at lower steps. It would be good for another club in North Essex to move up.

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

When visiting Brightlingsea Regent check with the club regarding parking, it's a tight car park and local streets are full of residents cars. If you get to the town early it has a good selection of pubs all within a few minutes walk from the ground and a lovely marina and waterfront. Also bear in mind there is no railway station.

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

Favourite player is always a tough one. In the time I have been following the team Matt Cripps the skipper and centre half has always performed consistently and with a lot of class. But I believe a big shout has to go to players like Phil Kelly who has scored 100 goals for the club from local leagues to Isthmian League level and Jake Gould another local lad who has made over 300 appearances for the club at all levels. It shows players can grow and improve as the club moves up through the steps and more than hold their own.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Margate, Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge Angels, Enfield Town