Isthmian Supporters Predictions 2020-21: Felixstowe and Walton United

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’re going east on this occasion, stopping just before we fall into the sea- and we’re getting a guided tour of Felixstowe and Walton United from someone who is extremely qualified to deliver it, club Vice President Phil Griffiths. Phil has been watching the club for half a century and has served it faithfully in a variety of positions for much of that period.

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

Very happy - while there was a definite need to halt the season and go through a lockdown procedure, I feel the whole process was badly managed by the powers that be, and that plans to restart Non-League Football could also have been handled much, much, better!

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?

My approach to watching football will be changed from the point of view that the corona virus will be with us for many years to come and I will need to be aware that being a very vulnerable rated person, that I am always aware of those around me, and where necessary self isolate while watching wherever possible. It may well affect me travelling dependent on facilities at away grounds.

3. Last season had many exciting moments before its premature end. What was your favourite moment?

2019/20 wasn’t our best season by a long chalk, we struggled to get results and I missed games through ill health. My game would have to be Brentwood away in February, played at Tilbury’s ground… we won 2-0 with a couple of excellent finishes from Miles Powell and Ollie Canfer. Three Big Points in the context of our season as we went on to win and draw our next two games and looking to be heading for safety, until the virus shut everything down!

4. And what was your worst moment?

With the season halted with various amounts of games to play for clubs, the wait for a decision on how final places will be decided at Step 4! PPG would have meant relegation to Step 5, Positions at end point stand, we would have finished 18th. In the end it was null & void, but having worked so hard to get step 4 football to the town, the possibility of being relegated because someone else decided how it should end was a very uncomfortable couple of weeks.

5. How will you do this season?

I think we will be ok… the management have brought in some decent players who will strengthen the squad, with quality, experience and pace. I will be happy to establish ourselves as a mid-table step 4 club, gain more knowledge and experience of playing at this level, while continuing to improve our facilities with step 3 facilities the immediate aim.

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

Has to be the local derbies - Bury Town Home , AFC Sudbury Home - two good, well organised clubs who are always competitive and play entertaining football. Travelling, has to be Heybridge Swifts - Always a good place to watch and an excellent club who make visitors welcome.

7. What is your favourite away ground?

Current Isthmian League North – Aveley FC – Modern, well laid out, and facilities could be upgraded accordingly, should they gain promotion! All time Away Ground – Fenland Park – Former home of Wisbech Town… proper ground, great support with a baying crowd behind the visitors’ goal, to provide a great atmosphere!

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

Our natural rivals in the Isthmian League would be Bury Town or AFC Sudbury, but I’m not sure any of the trio would consider the others as rivals - competitive opposition, yes, and players do move between the clubs, but I’m not sure we are rivals. In recent seasons the upsurge of Stowmarket Town would probably make the two clubs rivals should they get promoted to the Isthmian League, they missed out last season when they deserved promotion and games against each other in Cups & Pre-Season Friendlies, if there is such a thing, are always keenly fought! Also in the mix would be Leiston & Needham Market who are currently Step 3, playing in the Southern League.

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

Any visitors should come for the day- we get a lot of groundhoppers who enjoy Fish & Chips on the seafront (10 minute walk) before a game. We are a friendly club, who make all our visitors welcome, and hopefully they all leave having enjoyed their afternoon/evening whatever the result. We have a compact, picturesque ground with the game easy to watch from any position. The club are constantly upgrading the facilities to make the visitor experience a good one, although at the time of writing Corona Virus was making life very difficult for us, indeed for all clubs!

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

Very difficult… we have had some excellent players down the years (50 years in my case) John Wark, Alan Brazil, Roger Osborne from Ipswich Town & some real quality non-league players, and I have found generally that the vast majority of players are very likeable & pretty humble. I would name Steve Page, Dougie Dodds, Mike Duley, and so many more from past era’s. I will select a current player as my current favourite - Jordan Matthews must be a manager’s dream - one club man, will play anywhere, never stops running, knocks in his fair share of goals, started as a junior and still going strong as he nears 30… yes, he would be my all time favourite!

11. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Maldon & Tiptree, Romford, Aveley, Bury Town, Heybridge Swifts

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.