Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Cray Wanderers

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. 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

I would say the highlight of last season was Cray Wanderers away form.  We only lost three out of twenty one away matches and one of those was at Folkestone and the third came on the final day of the season.  Cray won at Billericay Town (1-0 with ten men), Aveley (3-2) and Brentwood Town (4-1) who all reached the playoffs and drew 3-3 at Chatham Town and although there were a few draws there were memorable wins at St Albans, Welling United and a rare victory against Whitehawk.    

And what was the worst moment?

The 8-1 defeat at Folkestone Invicta on a dark November night was one all supporters should have to suffer at some point, This led to some gallows humour from our Manager Tim O'Shea who for the next game at Welling United presented the players with a box of After Eights.  For me personally, the 3-4 defeat at home to Billericay Town on 4th April was a sickener as we led two nil and three one at a time when Billericay were flying in the league with twenty minutes to go. 

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

I went for Frankie Morgan, our left back who after an early season injury was outstanding and won the Supporters Player of the Year.  Frankie Raymond was a whisker behind and Alex Hernandez showed his qualities as top scorer.  A couple of loan players up to the new year showed their qualities in Sol Kader and Harry Waldock.   

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

I think Rob Strachan at the back has the ability to replace Tom Bonner at the back who has retired.  Ade Yusuff up front knows the league well and a member of Folkestone's championship squad, Ola Ogunwamide was absolute mustard down the right during the latter end of the season. 

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

For a club like Cray Wanderers swimming amongst some big sharks in this league we tend to fare well and have had three top ten finishes in the last four seasons.  It would help once again if we can get off to a similar start to last season where we picked up ten early points out of twelve and if we can cut out the draws, turn Flamingo Park into a fortress and maintain last season's away form I think we can finish sixth.  The club aims to finish at least a place higher each season and as we finished seventh in 2025-26 I can see us going one better but perhaps the playoffs will be the limit.  

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

Well we do have the Wanderer by Dion which has been our signature tune for years (we did briefly have Status Quo's version but received complaints).  Last season one of our supporters Con Maloney wrote a song called Come On You Wands which was played alongside The Wanderer last season.  Pretty Flamingo by Manfred Mann is a good one for the ground. 

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

It used to be Frankie Merrifield but he was promoted with Billericay. I admit when we went up against Joe Taylor for Billericay and Ramsgate last season I was a bit apprehensive as usually scored against us but we kept him quiet. To be honest, Aveley were perhaps the best all round team against us but I wouldn't say one player stood out from the rest.  

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

I have to say I think Welling United is a terrific away day as it is so close to the High Street and Railway Station, a Bus Stop outside the ground, nearby Greasy Spoon, a few pubs nearby but always good value inside the ground. We are lucky to be playing Lewes last game of the season so that is a good day out.  Burgess Hill I was impressed with and happy that Three Bridges have returned as always enjoyed visits down near Gatwick.  

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

If you speak to most of our fans then the words St Albans City regularly pop up. Something about the fried chicken.  I liked Burgess Hill's pies while Carshalton's food is always good value, Worth a shout out to Lewes but sadly we miss Folkestone who's food was first class and the highlight of the night last season.

Please predict your top five:

Eastbourne Borough

Welling United

Brentwood Town

St Albans City

Aveley

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.

By the way, if you’ve sent through your responses from a Step Four club and haven’t seen them yet, never fear! We’re going to focus mainly on our top flight this week and hold some of the North/South Central/South East responses over until next week, as most of our sides at that level don’t start their League programme for another week.