BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Cray Wanderers

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.

Mark Hunt at Cray Wanderers reflects on a wonderful season, and looks forward to more of the same.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

There were many highlights but if I had to trim it down to two I would start with the game against Ashford United on 13th April when the Isthmian South-East Championship was won. It was the first time I had witnessed Cray winning a trophy having missed out on all their past success but now I can say I’ve seen glory with my own eyes. Also on November 26th the club learned from the Mayor of London there was no reason to deny us planning permission for the proposed new stadium and all the hard work of the Chairman Gary Hillman and his expert Ground Development team had come to fruition. So big days ahead in the next couple of years and exciting times ahead.

2. And your worst moment?

Somewhat bittersweet but six days before the Ashford United game on Sunday April 7th Cray took on Greenwich Borough at home and a win would have won Cray the league that afternoon. Despite a bombardment on the Borough goal Cray could only manage a 1-1 draw and the gut-wrenching tension and sleepless nights would have to continue for another six days. I was a bit of a wreck that week.

3. How will you do this season?

Returning to the Isthmian Premier after a five year absence is a great showcase for the club and a chance to prove themselves against teams of contrasting styles. We have built a very decent side with the right blend of youth and experience and I think we will win many friends and admirers for the standard of football we play.

The highest Cray have ever finished is 9th on two occasions and I would say if we can finish around that position or perhaps even just above that would be seen as a very good season by the supporters. Anything above that would be gratefully accepted.

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

Probably those games against teams we haven’t played before like Bowers & Pitsea, Potters Bar Town and Bishop’s Stortford. There is also a trip to Horsham’s new ground but generally I am looking forward to all the games in what is a high quality league.
5. What is your favourite away ground?

Looking at the Premier Division I would say possibly Bognor Regis Town, a very decent football ground and a good day out- although we are playing in December which might mean wearing a few extra layers. They also did some top notch Bread Pudding on my last visit in 2013. I also like Folkestone Invicta’s ground where there is always a great atmosphere and high quality terracing.

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

I remember this question from a couple of years ago and I said then I didn’t really think we had a big rival. Certainly amongst the current Isthmian Premier clubs there isn’t one. For a better answer, one of the club’s truly great historians, Jerry Dowlen wrote in his tremendous book, There’s More to Say About Cray that in terms of local rivalry it is Bromley and we had a number of great battles going back many years but we have only played them twice in the Isthmian League era back in 2004-05. Also names from our part of the world and those with a keen knowledge of Kentish football, Crockenhill, Alma Swanley and Swanley Town. Apart from that though we love everyone at Cray Wanderers.

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

For starters you will be coming to the 2nd Oldest Football club in the World with all the tradition and history that brings. We have very friendly and welcoming match day staff who will treat you like humans and football fans rather than a commodity like in the pro game and the facilities at Hayes Lane are second to none. If on a Saturday, Bromley itself has a lot of places to drink and eat but leave yourself a good 15 minutes for the walk to Hayes Lane. We would be disappointed if it didn’t register at least 8 out of 10 for a low mark.

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

I’m a bit indecisive at the moment, again possibly a tie with Mark Willy who played for Cray on two occasions and was our captain when we first got promoted to the Premier in 2009. A real captain and leader, quick and a threat from set pieces.

My other choice would be Jay Leader who came to the club in January 2016 and has been the model of consistency ever since and deserved his Championship medal last season. My favourite footballer of all time is Tony Adams so you could say I like commanding centre-halves.

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

East Thurrock United, Carshalton Athletic, Folkestone Invicta, Haringey Borough, Kingstonian

Right, you've read Mark’s views, and our Premier Division predicted League table will appear on Saturday. If you'd like to represent your Step Four club (we’ve no time for any more Premier League predictions that aren’t already in the pipeline), then please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!