Isthmian Supporters Predictions 2020-21: Haywards Heath Town

We're off to Hanbury Park to get the views of Haywards Heath Town fan John Rea. After nearly sixty years as a supporter he should know what he's talking about!

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 head to Bognor Regis Town, where Ian Guppy is the first of two Bognor fans to give their view on the forthcoming campaign. You’ll particularly love his answer to question three…

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

I absolutely cannot wait to put it mildly!

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?

Provided that we can all safely observe the social distancing issues I will be attending as many matches as I can- home and away hopefully.

3. Last season had many exciting moments before its premature end. What was your favourite moment?
Without doubt, and with no disrespect to anybody, my favourite moment has to be the final whistle of our eagerly awaited local derby with neighbours Burgess Hill Town almost a year ago, when we ran out 5-1 winners in front of a bumper crowd of over 400 at Hanbury Park!

4. And what was your worst moment?
The announcement that all football was being suspended due to Covid 19 outbreak- and the realisation that football as we know it was likely to change forever.

5. How will you do this season?
We have assembled a very strong looking squad with plenty of healthy competition for places and I am happy to predict a top 6 finish at least.

6. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?
I Always look forward to going to Guernsey, for obvious reasons, but nearer to home the always eagerly-awaited local derby against Burgess Hill Town as there is a healthy local rivalry and there is always fantastic build up and atmosphere.

7. What is your favourite away ground?
Guernsey just about shades it - a big ground with an impressive and always well populated stand. On the mainland I love The Pilot Field at Hastings with its unique stands and setting.

8. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?
Burgess Hill Town - always keen to take three points off us and get the bragging rights for Mid-Sussex football!

9. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?
Make sure you bring your satnav as Hanbury Park can be difficult to find! If you're coming by train and walking let us know and we'll send you details of a short cut. Most of all enjoy our hospitality and the game of course!

10. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?
This is hard choice - I have been watching/following the Blues for nearly 60 years now and I have seen hundreds of Heath players in my time. If I have to make a choice it would have to be Jez Lord, who was Ken Swallow's midfield general and playmaker when the Club were in Division 3 of the old Sussex County League.

11. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Burgess Hill Town, Hastings United, Ashford United, Herne Bay, Cray Valley PM.

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.

Where next?

A new defender for Athletic Grays bring in Jewers
Brentwood go for Preston Keeper Edwards is the latest impressive recruit for Town

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