My First XI- Nigel Smith, Bognor Regis Town

Direct from the Nyecamp, here’s Nigel with his dream team of Rocks

Here is the best XI that I’ve seen grace the Nyewood Lane carpet for Bognor Regis Town FC, over the four decades that I’ve been associated with the club.

Goalkeeper

Grant Smith - great shot stopper with lovely distribution. Went on to play at a higher level.

Defenders

Mick Pullen - Bognor legend. The most consistent of performers I’ve seen at this level.

John Crumplin - released by both Southampton & Pompey he came to Bognor & worked so hard to get back in the pro game. It worked, he was picked up by Barry Lloyd at Brighton, you know the rest!

Craig Robson- dominant in our Trophy run of 2016. Made other players look good with his reading of the game.

Neil Hider - another ‘80s legend. Ball playing centre half. He read the game so well, rarely out of position.

Midfielders

Matt Wiltshire - not at the club long, but he was worth the admission money on his own. Two great feet, great touch & a great football brain, he was pleasure to watch.

Dave Poole - absolute warrior who could also play. Left everything out on the pitch.

Simon Rodger - youngster from the 90s who went on to play for Crystal Palace. The sweetest left foot.

Michael Birmingham- led the team by pure example. Another that you’d like beside you in the trenches. Typical of a Bognor player, he could also play a bit!

Forwards

Luke Nightingale- ex Pompey, who came to Nyewood Lane with a brilliant attitude to playing at this level. Brilliant first touch, which allowed him to bring others into the game.

Jason Prior - goal scorer who made his name with us! But for serious injury, could have played League football! Still knocking them in for Dorking.

Right, let’s have your First XI! Email your squad to Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you’ll see it appear here.

Where next?

Grays see their ground hopes dashed Planning Committee says no to developers plans which would have seen Athletic gifted Ship Lane
An FA update on Steps 3-6 of the National League System The FA have released the following statement on the future of our season

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe