Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18:Tonbridge Angels

In the latest of our previews, Angels fan Bobby Stewart assures us that he can see National League heaven from here...


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 Bobby Stewart, representing Tonbridge Angels.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

My favourite moment from last season was our 4-2 FA cup win against Hereford. The atmosphere was fantastic and to score within the first few minutes was unexpected. The majority of our fans would probably say the 4-1 win at home to Bognor in December, but unfortunately I was not there.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Definitely the game at Folkestone Invicta on Bank Holiday Monday. With 2 games to go we needed a win to give ourselves a chance to get into the play offs, and lost disappointingly 1-0. The league cup final at Billericay was not our finest moment either, but by then most of our fans had accepted that our season was finished with.

3. How will you do this season?

This will be our 4th season back in the Isthmian, and the 4th season for our Manager Steve McKimm and his staff. Last season we all had high expectations but injuries played their part and we were unable to finish in the playoffs. This year there are other clubs with much bigger budgets than ours, however we have made some great additions, with Chris Kinnear coming from Dover and Craig Stone from Eastbourne. We already have the experience of Nathan Elder and Andre McCollin upfront, with Alex Akrofi and Dan Thompson providing excellent competition. As a fan I would be happy with 4th or 5th, but I do think we could be a dark horse for a top 3 place.

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

I am most looking forward to the Billericay games, because we have them on New Years Day and Easter Monday. These should both attract big crowds and I feel we will give them a run for their money, especially at home. I am also looking forward to the Margate games too.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

When you look at the teams in the league this year, there aren’t many grounds that are that exciting to go and visit, so I will say my favourite is Dulwich Hamlet but purely because of the atmosphere and the guaranteed crowd. I imagine the new look Billericay ground will be impressive, too.

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

In general Maidstone are traditionally our biggest rivals because there is history from when the old Tonbridge FC went bankrupt years ago. In the Bostik league though our biggest rivals will probably be Margate because they have been a boom and bust club in recent years, and seem to have found money again, with a few Ex Angels in the ranks.

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

Come by car! We have a massive car park and the ground is a long walk from the station! When you get to the ground we have 2 big stands behind both goals which make for a great atmosphere. Even if there are 20 of you, if you sing loud and clear it will resonate around the ground, and get the home fans singing too! We are a friendly bunch and are a community club, and hopefully this comes across to our visitors!

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

In my lifetime it has to be Jon Main. He scored 7 hat tricks in 1 season and over 40 goals. He is the only player I have seen at this level that whenever he got the ball I was convinced it would result in a goal. I do need to make an honourable mention for Scott Kinch, who was the captain when we got promoted and played the majority of the promotion game with a broken arm. You cannot let that sort of commitment go unrecognised!

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

Billericay Town, Margate, Tonbridge Angels, Leiston, Dulwich Hamlet.

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Harlow Town They might not be able to out-sing Enfield Town fans, but they've certainly out-predicted them as their rivals are yet to reply. Here are the scores from the Harlow Town jury.
Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Mildenhall Town We cried 'Let There Be More Light,' and Damon Barton delivered a saucerful of Mildenhall Town secrets.

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