New look to mark milestone season

By David Watters

Merstham will be sporting a new club badge in the Ryman League next season to mark their 125th anniversary.

The unique new crest was unveiled on Thursday as the Moatsiders prepared to celebrate their milestone anniversary over the course of the 2017-18 campaign with a series of events and initiatives for fans and their local community.

The Surrey club's board of directors are also slashing turnstile charges and the price of season tickets to encourage more people to get down to the Moatside when the new season kicks off in August.

Instead of £12 at the gate, adults will be charged £10 with concessions down from £6 to £5 and children going free. Adult season tickets are down from £199 to £150 with concessions dropping from £99 to £75.

Founded in 1892, the North Downs club originally played at Limeworks Meadow, the site of the old Merstham Lime Works. In 1897 the Moatsiders were founder members of the Redhill & District, playing their first recorded match against Redhill Gas Works.

In terms of making national headlines, Merstham enjoyed their greatest success yet in their last campaign when they reached the first round of the FA Cup last November and hosted League One side Oxford United in tie televised by BT Sport.

Merstham spokesman Kevin Austen said: "In recognition of the historic event in the club’s history there will be several events staged throughout the season, so please keep an eye on the club’s website.

"With this in mind the board of directors have revised the entrance fees and season ticket prices with the hope to encourage more people to the Moatside."

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Where next?

Simmons completes touchline team New Dereham Town manager Neal Simmons has named Wayne Anderson as his number two for the 2017-18 Ryman North season.
Live shows were big hit with fans The Ryman Round Up Show is looking forward to returning for a fifth season of news and debate in August after ending the last campaign with record numbers of listeners and viewers!

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