Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Cray Wanderers

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Mark Hunt for Cray Wanderers.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Perhaps the 4-1 victory at home to Carshalton Athletic in October. Cray produced 15 minutes of fantasy football against a good footballing side and it gave you a warm glow. The first ever trip to Guernsey in August was special and the 4-1 win at South Park in February also stands out.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Probably the eight game run without a win from February to late March as Cray were very much in the shout for the playoffs but everything that could go wrong did go wrong in that spell. We rallied to finish 11th but things could have played out differently.

3. How will you do this season?

I stand ready to be shot down in flames but I think certainly that promotion is well within our capabilities. The team looks good and with the new 3G playing surface at Hayes Lane this could suit our forward-thinking style of play. With the second automatic promotion place I think we could grab that second place behind Lewes.

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

A tricky question as I look forward to all games, especially the away games. The trip to Shoreham on Bank Holiday Monday will be a good one. There are plenty of Kent derbies with Ashford, VCD, Phoenix and Thamesmead joining us to add to the loss of Chatham Town

5. What is your favourite away ground?

In this league I would have to say Faversham Town. Great traditional Kentish non-league ground and was ideal to play them last season in the FA Cup which clashed with the Faversham Hop Festival. I also liked Hastings United and Corinthian Casuals but for the sheer match day/ football experience Faversham edges it for me.

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

A strange one as I don’t see an obvious rival. We ground share with Bromley who would have been local rivals of the past but they are slightly in a different stratosphere right now. We’ve had good competitive rivalries in our Kent League days with the likes of Chatham Town, Maidstone United, VCD Athletic and Sittingbourne but I would say we love everyone at Cray.

7. What advice would you give to an 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 (for your club) of all time- and why?

My favourite Cray Wanderers player was Mark Willy who was captain of the side when we gained promotion to the Premier in 2008-09. Quick, strong, determined and weighed in with his fair share of goals. Retired due to injury in July 2013.
Currently, Jay Leader, Lea Dawson and Karl Dent are contenders.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Lewes, Cray Wanderers, South Park, Carshalton Athletic, Greenwich Borough.