Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Waltham Abbey

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 The Abbey Abbot from Waltham Abbey (he wants to be anonymous, but we know who he is. We think he’s worried that someone will spill his mead).

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

My favourite moment had to be when the Football Secretary Simon finally bought a drink about 2 months into the season, however football wise it was probably when we beat Cheshunt 2-0 away on Jan 2nd- even though I couldn’t make the game. We had gone 6 games without a win and any win over your local rivals is always good no matter what the level. Had a smile that night.

2. And what was the worst moment?

There were plenty of these but when the ref disallowed what we thought was a perfectly good goal away to Maldon and handed them a diabolical penalty, Tom Daley would have been proud, we played so well and got nothing. It seemed like a turning point in the season, move on or stay where we were...we stayed.

3. How will you do this season?

There is lots of optimism at the club. We have signed a few players who we feel will strengthen the squad, and Chris Assombalonga has returned and is doing well in pre season. The ground is improving all the time and there could be a few surprised visitors this season with our pitch in particular.

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

I look forward to most, never been to Mildenhall or Norwich yet so hopefully can make those. Not going to say Aveley’s new ground as I’m not a lover of plastic pitches so that doesn’t excite me. Always enjoy my trips to Bury Town to see my mate Russell Ward and his family. I’m a fan of long trips if I’m honest; I feel like I’ve had a proper day out. Might even go to a couple of the games the night before this year and blend in (you might struggle to blend in wearing those robes- Ian).

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Probably Canvey Island, I like the big terrace there. Proper old school football.

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

Most would surely answer the nearest team as that seems natural. As a club we like to think we get on with everyone, we only have humble surrounds so we make the best of it, and if you visit and don’t like it, well that’s a shame really but we do try to look after you. Cheshunt is the obvious answer but I often hear more talk about us than we talk about them. Years ago there was no love lost but these days everyone seems cool.

Plenty of others in our area too, win the derbies, who knows, win the league...well play off spot at least!! As an addendum Hornchurch will rankle with me which goes back to our ESL days, hope they like our pitch, finally...

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

Bring a shoe cleaner...lol.. Don’t expect to turn up at a place looking like Wembley. Expect a smile and a warm welcome though and enjoy the day.

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

Been here for too many years but has to be Paul Holloway who happens to be a best pal. Played in the 80´s and 90´s and to be honest if he played in today's football he would win the golden boot every season, no doubt about that. The skill level was unbelievable and I believe football was a lot tougher in those days, especially in the old Spartan League. Currently though, has to be Jack Daveney, anyone that bad who can still get in the team has to be loved (xx Jack)!

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

Grays Athletic, AFC Sudbury, AFC Hornchurch, Canvey Island, Harringey Borough