BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Horsham

We asked supporters of our BetVictor Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

New ground, new division, and a home of their own for the first time in more than a decade. It’s no wonder that John Dalby is filled with optimism, as he looks forward to Horsham’s Premier Division return.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

In the 110th minute of the Isthmian South East Play-off against Ashford United, with the score poised at 1-1, Dylan Merchant-Simmons rose like a majestic salmon to meet the pinpoint perfect freekick delivered by Joey Taylor and buried the ball it in the back of the Ashford net. There was a moments hush before the 800+ Horsham fans exploded with sheer joy. That’s 800 fans who’d made the journey 20 miles to our temporary home in Lancing and who could now celebrate promotion back to the Premier League after a seven year absence to coincide with our return home after a much more painful 11 year exile. It’s a moment I have watched over and over from the various angles that popped up on Twitter, etc in the aftermath of the match, and one that will be appreciated for a very long time by the Horsham faithful. A mention too for some exceptional cup performances with wins over Carshalton Athletic (another peach of a freekick, this time from Charlie Harris), Heybridge Swifts in an absolute barnstormer and Corinthian Casuals in probably our most complete performance of the season.

2. And your worst moment?

It feels a little churlish to complain too much after a promotion season with some strong cup runs, but the 1-1 draw at Corinthian was a poor performance in the FA Cup and throwing away a 3-goal lead over Sussex rivals Haywards Heath was quite chastening. A mention too for a moment of incredible sadness that occurred over the summer with the passing of club president, Frank King. A man who was “Mr Horsham FC” has been an enduring presence since I started watching Horsham 30 years ago. He put so much into the club, helping secure its existence during the dark days of the 1970’s and 1980’s, and while it’s a desperate shame that he won’t be present to experience the new stadium, dedicating the new Boardroom suite in his honour is a fitting tribute.

3. How will you do this season?

We’ve been away from this level for a while, so I’ll be more than happy for some mid-table consolidation. Last years cup exploits proved that we can compete against teams at this level and we appear to have strengthened well across the team. It will be interesting to see how some of the squad who have been with us since our county league days cope with the step up to the Premier League, but the steady progression made over his tenure means we have every faith in Dom di Paola and his management team.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Leatherhead at home on the opening day of the season, without a shadow of a doubt. After 11 years camping out at Worthing, Horsham YMCA and Lancing, this season sees us return home to our own, fantastic new stadium and Leatherhead are the perfect opponents – fairly local with a decent away following and well established at this level meaning we will get a proper test right from the off. But just to watch competitive football in our own ground will be a moment to savour. There’s a whole host of other matches I’m looking forward to including the derbies with Bognor, Worthing and, of course, Lewes, some new opponents like Enfield and Bowers & Pitsea, and personally speaking some more local games such as Bishops Stortford, Cheshunt and Potters Bar (I’m based in the Midlands!).

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Carshalton is decent – good memories from last season, and a great local pub. Lewes is always fun because we tend to take good numbers and make a lot of noise. Cray Wanderers always seems to be a fun trip (even when getting humped 8-0 in the Trophy a few seasons back!!)

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Lewes. It’s the match the Horsham fans all get up for and, with it being the traditional holiday fixture, both sets of fans tend to travel in numbers.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

It’s a brand new stadium so there’s not much I can tell so far. The Lardy Army have yet to establish a pre-match, in-match or post-match routine given we’ve only had two fairly low-key friendlies and a bumper official opening with Crawley Town. But I can say that the ground looks exceptional – there is a well-stocked bar, including a rolling “fans choice” cask ale with giant screens, a decent kitchen serving la good range of hot food, including locally-sourced meat for the sausages and burgers, great transport (a free car park opposite or 5 minute bus ride from the town centre or station), a large main stand and an immaculate looking 3G pitch that is good enough for League 2 Crawley Town to use as their training base.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

Phil Somers has long been my answer to this question, but the current squad is starting to generate contenders – Joe Shelley has been the defensive rock for two successful promotion campaigns, Charlie Harris is a midfielder who looks like he’s playing a couple of levels below where he belongs (sshh, don’t tell the scouts!) and Harvey Sparks has been a revelation at left back.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Haringey Borough, Carshalton Athletic, East Thurrock United, Leatherhead, Bishop’s Stortford

Right, you've read John’s thoughts, do you want to be next? If you'd like to represent your club, then please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!