Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Grays Athletic

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 Michael Parker, representing Grays Athletic.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Despite our relegation I did manage to have some good times last season. Beating Billericay with a last gasp free kick was special and proved that our team were capable if inconsistent. If I had to name one though then it was beating Bognor Regis away. We took an early lead only to be pegged back late but grabbed an injury time winner a few minutes later, not only had we beaten the league leaders, it was actually not a fluke either and was easily the performance of the season for ourselves.

2. And what was the worst moment?

It would be obvious to say the day relegation was confirmed but deep down a lot of fans knew last season would be a struggle. For me it would have to be a few weeks earlier at Canvey Island away. It was the complete opposite of the Bognor Regis game, it looked like a lack of fight and commitment and was an all-round dismal display against a relegation and local rival.

3. How will you do this season?

I honestly don't know, I am hopeful that we will win more games as this is the first time in ages that the club has had a settled pre season. Last season was all about off the field and gaining confirmation that the fans owned the club and then setting a budget for Jamie Stuart. I'm glad they have stuck with him and he has bought in some interesting signings. Perhaps the key to our chances is the players he has kept though, Kieran Bishop and Joao Carlos will hopefully be key figure for us and along with the likes of Jamie Slabber, Jon Ashton and Nicky Eyre they can be a good influence on our younger players. If they can then hopefully we could be around the play of are this season.

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

I'm looking forward to the first home game this season. As people probably know we play at Aveley FC and they have built a fantastic new facility called Parkside, so I'm excited to see what that is like. I also enjoy doing the away games and visiting new grounds so Haringey and Hertford, Dereham and Norwich are new places for me.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I suppose I could say Aveley, ok a ground we visit once a season?! For me I think it has to be Bury, a proper non league ground with clubhouse and has plenty of cover for those wintry days of an English football season.

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

Easy one this, Tilbury! They are our nearest and most historic rivals. The rivalry does have some positives though. In pre season the clubs always play each other and this years gate receipts have gone to help the family of a local man and former Tilbury player who died during the summer.

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

My advice would be to simply come and visit the new facilities we share with Aveley and hopefully enjoy it. Craig Johnson of Aveley FC has worked so hard to get his club moved into the new ground down the years and I'm sure he would love to see the new bars etc being used by fans of all clubs in hopefully big numbers when they come to play us or Aveley.

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

I would say Jamie Stuart. He has captained us at the top levels of non league football, hewas always committed and never shirked a challenge. Also he is now the manager which in recent years has not always been the easiest task especially with our ground sharing status always putting constraints on the field!

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

Canvey Island, AFC Hornchurch, Bury Town, AFC Sudbury, Grays Athletic.