Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Canvey Island

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 Andy Wilkins representing Canvey Island.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

I enjoyed the massive upturn in form we had throughout the 2nd half of the season, particularly a 5 game winning streak which included a 3-0 away win at Merstham. We also beat Dulwich Hamlet 1-0 at home on a cold & wet January day, then Worthing and Grays 2-0 and 3-1 respectively. I also enjoyed our 2-2 draw away at Harlow Town simply due to our performance- and the chants made by the Harlow fans at us were hilarious.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Worst moment for me was relegation on the final day of the season- and that, for me, beats losing away at Potters Bar Town in the FA Cup. Given I've supported the club home and away for the last 3 years after becoming disillusioned with Southend United, it was something I never expected to see so soon. Or, indeed, at all.

3. How will you do this season?

I feel we'll find it hard like most relegated teams do (Bury Town and AFC Hornchurch in particular struggled with that adjustment) but I'm hopeful like many of my CIFC mates of a top 8 finish at least. I am also trying to be optimistic that we can get promotion back to the Premier, whether it be via the play-offs or as Champions, but we will need to be at our best for that to happen this season. That said, the fact that we've kept a lot of our squad will hopefully been seen as a positive sign, and we’ve made some decent new signings.

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

I'm looking forward to making the long journeys away- Norwich United, Dereham Town and Soham Town due to their distance from us. I’m also really keen to make trips to Cheshunt and Mildenhall due to hearing great reports about their grounds. And Sudbury away is set to be a good day out for me and my mates, as we're set to go via train to that game for once via Greater Anglia (That’s a shock on its own count considering GA don't normally run a good service at weekends).

5. What is your favourite away ground?

My favourite away ground is currently Needham Market; I’ve visited it 3 times over the last 2 years and I've had a fantastic reception from their fans and people who run things there. Leiston also has a soft-spot for me considering it was the first away ground that I visited with CIFC.

I'm also a big fan of both Leatherhead and Bognor Regis Town simply due to the fans at both clubs

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

I would say definitely our island neighbours Concord Rangers- but that has died down in recent years due to the difference of leagues we're both in (I need to make it clear that its still a good rivalry between both fans). Apart from them, I would say Billericay or Grays are our biggest rivals in recent years. We do get to maintain our rivalry with Grays this season.

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

My advice when visiting Park Lane is to bring a coat no matter what the weather forecast might predict! There have been many occasions when it looked nice and sunny but within an hour or two, it can rain. I also want to make it clear that we are a nice bunch of fans who will happily share a beer or two before and after the game.

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

Jay Curran. He has shown loyalty to the club for countless years and you don't get many players like him in non-league. He had that strength and power whenever he played to pull the team over the line, often in games that we shouldn't have won. He's a player that I’ve grown very fond of.

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

Grays Athletic, Canvey Island, AFC Hornchurch, Heybridge Swifts, Bowers & Pitsea.