Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Mulbarton 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. 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

Mulbarton were the first team in 50 years to achieve the Norfolk treble, Thurlow Nunn ECL Champions, League Cup winners and Norfolk Senior Cup winners.

My personal highlight was seeing around 100 village children on the edge of the pitch at Carrow Road waiting for the end of the Norfolk Cup Final. The security people had never been in that situation before and were clearly a bit concerned about a 5 year old girl in her Cinderella outfit trying to get on the pitch. 

At the end of the season a respected Thurlow Nunn manager said we were the best team he'd seen in the division for many years. We finished 24 points ahead of Fakenham who were the other promoted team.

And what was the worst moment?

Worst moment? We lost 3 games!

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

A village lad called Owen Lane who scored 29 goals in 34 games. He's capable of playing at a much higher level.

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

Owen Lane and Ashley Jarvis who scored 62 goals between them in 34 games last season. They'll both score goals at the next step. 

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

We knocked full strength Gorleston and Wroxham teams out of the Norfolk Cup last season and really should have beaten Witham in the FA Cup. So I think we'll do ok. Norfolk teams take the Senior Cup very seriously and so they should, the competition is 140 years old. 

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

We run out to I'm a Wanderer by Dion. It seems to work.

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

The best visiting player I saw last season was the Gorleston left back Dion Frary.

We suspect that Isthmian fans won’t have visited your club before- what advice would you give?

If you're coming up the A11 take the B1135 exit signposted Mulbarton.

If you're coming up the A140 take the exit on the B1113 signposted Swardeston and follow for 3 miles into the village.

Train travel isn't really advised as it's quite a hike from Norwich Station to the 37 bus stop. You can get cabs from Norwich station or Wymondham station which is on the Cambridge line. 

Mulbarton Common is beautiful and the biggest of its kind in the country. Tom's Chippy next to the ground is the best in Norfolk. 

Norwich is a beautiful and historic City with a great nightlife so please come along and make a weekend of it. 

Please predict your top five:

We don't know anything about Isthmian North teams so I've no idea how it will end.  We think we can match Gorleston and Wroxham. Good teams but we beat them both last year.

By the way, the most famous footballer from Mulbarton is Monty Norman- who played for Spurs in their 1961 double winning team. He would have played for England in the 66 World Cup final if he hadn't broken his leg (just in case you ever wondered how Jack Charlton got in that team).