Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Horsham

By Ian Townsend

We move to Horsham (or, for the new season, Lancing) for our next supporters preview. Here's John Dalby and a unique photograph!

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 John Dalby, chair of the supporters club, representing Horsham.

What was your favourite moment of last season?

The moment that will live long in the memories of everyone associated with the club was the night the local Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the plans to build a new ground, ending a 20-odd year search for a new home. This coming year should be our last full season without our own home before we are able to move in to new digs on the outskirts of Horsham.

On the pitch, my highlight was the 2-1 win at Lewes, secured in front of a sizeable crowd with a worldy from George Branford.

And your worst moment?

The two hours before the council vote as we had to listen to the various objections to the ground!!

Football-wise, the FA Cup defeat at Sevenoaks was as poor as it's been for a couple of years.

How will you do this season?

We'll be better than last year and hopefully more consistent. Dom di Paola and his management team have been in place for two full seasons and will have a much better idea of the challenges we face at this level and the capabilities of his squad. We'll start the season with a fairly settled squad for the first time in a long while, as many of last season’s team look like they will be staying and some of the new additions look like they'll add some much needed experience. Optimists may look at a potential push for the play-offs, but a comfortable top half finish and a nice cup run will do for me.

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

There's a few away grounds this season that are new to me - Phoenix Sports, VCD Athletic, Ashford United and the new Walton Casuals stadium - which I'll be looking forward to. The Easter trip to Lewes will be fun, especially if there is something at stake. I'm hoping that we take a few to Sittingbourne, as they out sung us at home last season and we need to return the favour! The trip to Guernsey is always enjoyable, although the Boxing Day scheduling will need some careful negotiating with my wife!
What is your favourite away ground?

Herne Bay is a new favourite, as that's where we broke our Kent hoodoo and won last season. I can't tell you much about the ground as there was so much fog, I could barely make out the tips of my fingers! Other decent days out are Hastings Utd, Whyteleafe and (whisper it), Lewes.

Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

It has to be Lewes. They're our Sussex rivals and we've had history on the field going back for as long as I've been watching us. While the off-field rivalry isn't as boisterous as it once was, it's definitely a fixture the Lardy Boys circle at the start of the season. We did the double over them last season and we'll be looking to extend that run - the pride of Sussex is at stake!

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

Don't go to Horsham - we're playing this season at the Sussex FA headquarters in Lancing! Ahead of moving into our new ground in 2018 (fingers crossed), we will be playing this season down on the coast. The fans are using pre-season as an opportunity to get to know our new surroundings themselves, so there's not much advice I can provide in terms of a pint and some food! The club and supporters' club have plans in place to make sure as many home fans as possible can make the short trip to Lancing, so the atmosphere shouldn't be lacking. Come and say hello, most of us are friendly and knowledgeable and love nothing more than meeting likeminded fans from the Bostik League.

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

Phil Somers. He was a cultured midfielder in the Paul Scholes mould who played for us in the early 90's. He was part of the team when I first started watching and formed a great partnership with another legend, Mark Dunk. We've probably had better players since then, but he helped develop that indelible bond that I now have with the Hornets!

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

Carshalton Athletic, Corinthian Casuals, Greenwich Borough, Hythe Town, Phoenix Sports.

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Romford The next in our supporters previews comes from the North Division, with thanks to Mike Woods of sunny Romford.
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