Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Ashford United

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. Brendan welcomes us to Ashford United.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
I think my highlights were the enjoyable open style that we played I like to see us win in a game with flowing football and getting more goals than the other side. I would not like to see a lot of 1-0 victories, conceding goals is always disappointing but inevitable with a team that prefers to attack.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?

I do not want to single out players as it’s unfair based upon pre-season games. I am hopeful of the signings we made last season, who never really had the benefit of pre-season and were brought in to replete an injury hit small squad- and had to go into must win games as we tried to get our challenge back on course.

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

From pre-season we appear to have more players available for signing on this year, last season we did remarkably well with a smaller than most squad that was ravaged by some long term and niggling injuries. My expectation is that we can at least do as well as last season with extra cover in some areas that we did not have last season.

I have to balance that against other teams that were there or there abouts last year getting in a lot of players from higher leagues and it will remain to be seen if that strategy is reflected in performances. We never panic and take a view when we get to Xmas and see where we are.

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

This season I would hope for better performances in big games. I felt we left cup competitions cheaply last year and missed out on some cup revenue. I also hope in some of the big league games at home we step up a bit and compete more. I felt last year some of our best performances apart from Three Bridges were away from home, when home side pressure is off a bit. I think in no particular order I will hope for good performances against Ramsgate, Chatham, Sheppey and Cray Valley PM, who seem to be spending to get higher league players in.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

I like Corinthian- always well presented and plenty of parking.

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

Chatham, Ramsgate, Sheppey and Sevenoaks this year as they have the infrastructure in place and that generates the ability to put- on paper- a competitive team together. Hopefully ours will be better on the day; having had some poor performances last year when we were going well we will be more experienced in securing more points this season, that we dropped last year with some unexplained bad performances.

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

If coming other than by car or Coach allow time to get public transport as our ground is not well located in that respect. In any other way plenty of parking, friendly banter and a family club you should enjoy visiting.

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

Tough question that one as others will have been supporting from more than my 20 odd years. But probably Nicky Dent who played up front and put Fulham through the ringer in our best ever FA Cup run many years ago.

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?

Haywards Heath Town, Ashford United, Whitehawk, Chatham Town, Ramsgate

Thanks Brendan- right, who's next? If you'd like to represent your club, email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and he'll be in touch shortly.

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