Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Sittingbourne

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. Time for a trip to Woodstock, courtesy of Mike.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
Ironically I think it was probably proving so many people wrong as this time last year ourselves- and I think it was Lancing- were everyone’s favourites to finish at the bottom! On that basis a top ten place at the end must be considered a good turnaround. The game that I’ll probably remember most was our away game with Cray Valley PM, as I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold watching a game of football before in my life!

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

We have a completely new squad with just a handful of players left from the Darren Blackburn team of last year. Nick Davis has come in and naturally brought many new players in, so it’s tough to say just on pre season who's going to have the biggest impact. That said, the signing of any international is big news for a club at our level, so if you push me I’ll say keeper Matt Cafer.

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

Again it’s tough to say with a brand new team, but the hope after the highest finish in the league for years last time out must be higher than the tenth place we got in April. Why can’t we challenge?

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

Having near neighbours Chatham Town and Sheppey United promoted from the SCEFL at the same time is terrific for our level of football in north Kent, especially as we lost both Whitstable Town and Herne Bay. Their promotion plus the fact we still have the noisy neighbours from Faversham in the league gives you six fixtures that are eagerly awaited. It has to be the two games with Sheppey that are most anticipated, given it’s been so long since competitive football have been played between the two sides. Thankfully we don’t have to wait very long for the first derby.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?
Tough one as I have happy memories at a lot of grounds. The two grounds on Thanet – Margate’s Hartsdown Park and Ramsgate’s Southwood- are always good days out. That said, wherever you go in our division you always get a good welcome.

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

It'll have to be either of the two promoted clubs simply because of how close we are to each other, although I think if you took a poll of the fans in general, just to be playing Sheppey again is something special. What they've achieved to get back to this level has to be congratulated, but on August Bank Holiday on the Island and Boxing Day at the Jarmans, any mutual respect goes out of the window and you'll get two full blooded Kent derbies.

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

Don’t get lost as sadly we're a long way out of town. The Jarmans Solicitors stadium at Woodstock Park is sadly a ground that you can’t easily walk to- but when you do find us, you'll get a good welcome and be able to enjoy a good afternoon.

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

A tough one as I haven’t been a full time Sittingbourne fan for long, but when I watched the club in the past players like Steve Lovell, Mark Beeney, Alan Walker, Andy Drury always made you take notice from the stands. Of the current crop skipper Kane Rowland - one of the players to stay - wears the armband for a reason.

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

I would rather not as I know how annoying it was when other put us at the bottom last season. All clubs will go into the start of the season with hopes - some unrealistic, some expected! I don’t know enough about who's gone where to make the prediction – sorry. (That’s a proper cop-out and won’t be allowed in future- Isthmian Ian!)

Thanks Mike- 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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