Pitching In Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2021-22: Bognor Regis Town

We asked supporters of our Pitching In 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. Daniel Storey tries not to use the W word, and fails.

1. Thinking about last season- what there was of it- were there any highlights for you?

It’s hard to really say what consists as a highlight in a ‘season’ that didn’t really even get going and in all honestly probably shouldn’t have started in the first place.

However, putting that grumble aside for the question, I would say the 5-2 away win in the FA Trophy up at Thame United showed what we could do when all our better players were on the pitch.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2021-22 campaign?

I’m really looking forward to hopefully having Jake Flannigan for a full campaign. I really liked the look of him last season and he certainly looks a very good addition to the club.

It will also be great to have a fit again Chad Field playing regularly. The poor lad has suffered a horrible two years of no game time with his injuries, but when fit and playing well he is up there as one of the best ball playing defenders at this level.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

At times during the null and void season and whatever last season is now called, we could be absolutely brilliant and the next absolutely atrocious. The 5-0 away defeat at Hayes and Yeading in the FA Cup was embarrassing to watch at times but I still remember the 6-1 destruction at Margate in late 2019 when everything we touched turned to gold and goals!

I would say we will probably finish somewhere between 4th and 10th. Inconsistently inconsistent.

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

Obviously the two derby games against Worthing are always ones to get excited about, but given they beat us 3-0 home and away in 2019/20, it looks like we’re going to need to revenge those defeats at some point. The Horsham games have become tough contests in more recent times with a few players moving between two clubs and them seemingly wanting to be top dogs in Sussex again after a lot of years in the doldrums.

Personally I won’t be doing as many Bognor games this season as I’m trying to get around to every ground in the Isthmian Divisions. You can call me a groundhopper but I much prefer ground connoisseur. (13 left to visit if you’re wondering)

5. What is your favourite away ground?

To be honest it’s hard to not agree with everyone else here and not say Lewes, because it’s such an unique and delightful ground even in mid bleak winter. It probably just pips us for the best ground in this division. I also enjoy a visit to Bishop Stortford as they have a good set up there, and Folkestone because they’re just down the road from my house.

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

Worthing! There is absolutely no love lost between the fans of both clubs especially now they’re getting bigger crowds than us and are clearly on the up after Bognor had it all their own way pretty much from 2011 to 2017. However, off the pitch relationships have generally been good as both clubs have helped each other out over the years.

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

Buy the programme as a lot of effort goes into producing it- by me! All joking aside make a day out of it or even a weekend as Bognor has plenty to see and do, lots of good pubs and also very good connections to the rest of the Sussex- which is a beautiful county especially in the sunshine.

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

I was asked this on a podcast a few months ago. It’s really hard to choose between past goal scoring legends like Terry Dodd, Luke Nightingale and Jason Prior, centre half rocks like Stuart Axten and Tim Bond, or midfield talents like Doug Tuck, Dan Beck & Ben Johnson.

However, Terry Dodd just nicks it over Stu Axten because he was unplayable from 2015-2017 and always seems to pop up in games and score the winner or equaliser as well as scoring in several play off games.

We really did have some great players from 2011 to 2018.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

In no particular order. Worthing(yes, it hurt writing that), Folkestone Invicta, Horsham, Lewes and Carshalton Athletic.

Right, who’s next? If you’d like to represent your club, email Ian on townsendaround@gmail.com

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