Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Eastbourne Borough

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?

To describe last season as a shambles would be an understatement, as to go from missing out on promotion by just one point to finishing rock bottom and being relegated in the space of twelve months took some doing, but we managed it. If there were a couple of highlights, which were as rare as finding a Dodo’s egg, it was probably winning handsomely at Dover just before Christmas; and three points at Hampton & Richmond, which gave us a faint hope of surviving, albeit very briefly.

And what was the worst moment?

We’d actually become resigned to relegation long before it was confirmed, so it was almost a relief to be put out of our misery. I lost count of how many times we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but the seven-nil massacre at Torquay plumbed the depths of embarrassment.

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

Young Arthur Grout pretty much scooped all of the end of season awards, having more than successfully made the transition from Step 5 football at Eastbourne United. He has only recently turned 18, which means he is now allowed to use the players’ dressing room with everybody else. How long we will be able to hang on to him though is another question, and he may even be gone by now!

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

Steve King took over at the tail end of last season and already seemed resigned to Isthmian League football. He has made at least ten signings to date and is building a squad that, on paper on least, looks capable of taking us back up at the first attempt. Of course it won’t be that easy, but the young full-back Matthew Hayden, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion has impressed me in pre-season. T’yano Wilson, another youngster signed from Eastbourne United is still pretty raw, but could terrify a few defences; whilst of the more experienced signings, Darren McQueen and Josh Rees ought to make an impact at Step 3. 

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

Given the squad that is being assembled, if we are not there or thereabouts at the end of season, something will have gone badly wrong (again). Top three at least has to be the ambition.

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

I’ve always lobbied for ‘Red’ by King Crimson, but it’s fair to say that I’m in a minority of one!

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

Hornchurch getting promotion has very much been a bonus for us, as we’ve signed three of that squad who presumably didn’t fancy the step up. They will do nicely, thank you.

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

We’ve never played in the Isthmian League, but personally I’ve been to all of our opponents except Cray Wanderers and Brentwood Town. I’m looking forward to visiting them, but have fond memories of sitting on the touchline at Leatherhead when they knocked Colchester out of the FA Cup in 1974! 

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

The burgers at Chelmsford were always pretty decent, but I know a lot of our supporters are looking forward to being re-acquainted with Chicken George at St. Albans this season.

Please predict your top five:

I obviously don’t know too much about the opposition so some of these will probably be way off, but I’ll be optimistic and probably regret being so:

Eastbourne Borough

Brentwood Town

Chatham Town

Dartford

Dulwich Hamlet

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.