Isthmian Supporters Predictions 2020-21: Leatherhead

We asked supporters of our 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.

We have our first Premier Division entry, and we head to Fetcham Grove for it, as Leatherhead cameraman Ryan Herrick gives us some preliminary shots. We might have another entry from Leatherhead soon!

1. How do you feel about the return of football?

I feel like the return to football is certainly going to be different to before, no matter when we return. Whether it’s September or October it will definitely be strange under these new rules.

2. The world has changed enormously since you were last able to watch a live football match. Will the pandemic change your approach to watching the game- will you attend as many matches as you used to, and spend as much time at the ground/in the clubhouse, etc?

I’m the cameraman for Leatherhead FC so it’s fairly hard for me to socially distance in the gantry. If there are people joining me I’d certainly wear a face mask just as a safety precaution. I feel like I’d spend less time in the clubhouse, as it can tend to get crowded unless by then it’s safe to not socially distance.

3. Last season had many exciting moments before its premature end. What was your favourite moment?
It was towards the end of the season but our 4-0 and 3-0 wins against Potters Bar Town and East Thurrock United. At that point I felt we had a really strong squad capable of pushing for playoffs, with Zach Robinson and Ibrahim Olutade scoring 5 goals between them across both matches.

4. And what was your worst moment?
Going out very early in both the FA Trophy and the FA Cup. Not only was it a great amount of missed income across all the rounds which could have greatly helped the club, but we’d also missed out on a potentially great cup run- like the one we had in 2017-18 under Sammy Moore, when we came up against Wycombe Wanderers in the Second Round of the FA Cup.

5. How will you do this season?
Leatherhead always seem to finish just outside the playoffs by a couple of points- but after watching the lads against AFC Wimbledon last Tuesday the squad is definitely looking strong enough to compete in this league, and I believe we will get the few extra points this time and make the top five.

6. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?
Worthing for sure-when we play them it’s always a competitive game and can definitely go either way. They finished first last season so will be a good test.

7. What is your favourite away ground?
Margate have a good ground and is a decent away day.

8. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?
Ever since Dorking went up we no longer have any rivals who are neighbours. There now seems to be a rivalry between Kingstonian and Leatherhead, but I’m not sure if that’s to do with the former ground sharing agreement or because they’re fairly local to us.

9. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?
When you arrive at Fetcham Grove it’s definitely worth buying a programme as you arrive- from the programme box to your left. Also I’d 100% buy from the Tanners tea bar- the food in there is great and will keep you warm on those December away days.

10. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?
I have been a Leatherhead supporter for about five years now so have only seen recent players, but I think mine has to be Jerry Nnamani. He’s a club legend and has accumulated well over 350 appearances since 2011.
Also he lives in Manchester so to travel from there to here is commitment and a real show of his great character.

11. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Worthing, Carshalton Athletic, Bognor Regis Town, Kingstonian, Leatherhead.

Would you like to represent your club? Get in touch now and we'll send you the details. Email Ian on townsendaround@gmail.co.uk.