Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Ashford United

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.  Brendan Morrison takes us Home(lands). 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

Post Christmas we had a new manager, players back from injury and started to get playoff form and for a while we could believe a playoff outside chance was possible, but sadly it wasn’t to be and we had a period of playing for pride and trying to upset playoff contenders chances, which we did in a couple of games.

And what was the worst moment?

The first few months. We had two managers, key players injured and for a while we were floating just above the relegation places. That was turned around when Craig came in and key players started to return.

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Hmmm... the strikers always get the praise don’t they, and both Gary Lockyer and Louis Collins had good goal tallies and could  cope at a higher level. With Gary getting FA Cup top scorer and playing for Man United pensioners on tour in Asia, I doubt he will remember last season for his Ashford United exploits, good though they were. I would say my Player of the season would be at the back with either Barry Fuller, who, though mature in years, showed more energy and desire than many a young up and coming player. Special mention to Jack Dixon who played exceptionally well whilst dealing with family tragedy.

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

Well this season is not about hopes for players coming in, as for the first season in a while we have the same core of players and the same management team. I would hope Sam Hasler will have a better season as he missed a lot of last year through injury. He has been sharp in pre-season and currently has more goals than cards, so hopefully that will continue. I feel basically all the other players have to perform better than last year to have a chance of being in the playoffs.

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

Crystal ball time. Well we have a settled manager and side that all returned from last season with a few strengthening additions. We have more cover than last year so I hope we have a strong start and hope we get belief in the squad and keep it there.

I like cup runs but last year did us no favours with early injuries in a small squad with not much cover. This led to turnstiles on the dressing room as plug ins came and went.

Three Bridges had a settled set up and soared to promotion so I will cross our fingers that we are a settled side when other big spenders are still acquainting themselves with one another. 

Last season we had too many flip flop performances and expectation of wins away , we really must do a game at a time this season. So if the wish list is on then playoffs must be the target.

I would like to be more optimistic but there are several clubs with bigger budgets that came close to promotion so must be hurting to get it done this year. How some clubs in the top six last year can survive with the home gates they get astounds me. There still seems to be the idea that it’s worth spending big to get promoted and then the crowds will follow as playing.

Our approach is that we want promotion but from a sustainable base with a budget that is prudent. I think we were rumoured to have 5th or 6th  highest playing budget last year (not that know whether such rumours can be believed as I can’t imagine owners or managers discuss such things).

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

Marvin Gaye, “Let’s get it on……..”

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

Jack Evans- now with Faversham, what we could really do with- an intelligent midfield playmaker. We have midfielders, but whenever watching Jack he made the right pass more than many other midfielders in the league.

Joe Taylor (Herne Bay) or Noel Leighton (Three Bridges) as when Gary Lockyer is injured we do not have another number 9 target man.

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Faversham. It’s easy to access and they usually have a good football crowd there, creating the right atmosphere whatever the game even on a Tuesday night in February! 

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

I do most away games but usually  eat before the match so cannot offer much comment here, sorry.

Please predict your top five:

Faversham Town

Sittingbourne

Margate

Cray Valley PM

AFC Croydon Athletic

Now, over to the rest of you! If you are reading this and you’d like to represent your club, please email Ian on [email protected] and he will get back to you as quickly as possible.