Pitching In Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2021-22: Basildon United

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. Andrew Buxton expects progress under John Guyton.

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

Our biggest highlight was going to Great Wakering Rovers on a Tuesday night. I really think they thought that the game was going to be easy for them, but we were five up by half time and won six-nil. We were in dreamland that night.

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

Over the last few seasons we have had a lot of changing around and that’s stopped any consistency. I really think that’s changed with John Guyton coming in, he is building a decent team- and the player I'm really hoping is going to make a big impact is Samuel Jeremiah. He has been outstanding in preseason and scored a goal in every game so far so fingers crossed he will be a standout performer.

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

Hoping we can stay away from the relegation zone and not have to keep looking over our shoulders all the time as it’s been a really difficult last 3 seasons. Fingers crossed John Guyton can move the club on now and get us into the top 10.

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

I’m looking forward to the Hashtag United game as it’s now a local derby. They groundshare with Bowers and I want to see what the hype is all about with them. But I always look forward to Great Wakering Rovers matches as they are always very entertaining- along with the Tilbury games too, as we lost our manager to them a few seasons back and some of our players too.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I always enjoy going to AFC Sudbury, it's a lovely Town and the people who run the club always make you feel very welcome. That’s how football clubs should be run.

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

It’s got to be Billericay and Bowers. Not a lot of love lost between us, and the games over the years have been very colourful local derbies. It’s a shame we don't get to play them more often.

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

If you are coming on public transport plan your journey, but once you get here to The Hive, it’s a lovely, traditional old club and you will be made so welcome. A lot of work has been carried out on the ground to give it a new lease of life as it was looking very tired.

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

There have been some brilliant players over the years- Dave Card, Colin Russell, Steve Wiseman, Frankie Heritage, Steve Mead, Barry Rainbird, Jocky Stewart, Tommy Barton, Connor Wheatley and Marcus Bowers.

But I’m going for Marcus Bowers. What a prolific striker he was, and scored 32 goals one season and got us some crucial goals in our promotion season in 2017-18 as well. The stunning free kick he scored in our last game of the season to help us beat Redbridge 1-0 and secure Step 4 status was out of this world.

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

Barking, Tilbury, Aveley, Maldon and Tiptree , Bury Town

Look out for the final predicted tables on Saturday!

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