Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Sheppey 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. Time for a trip to the Island, courtesy of Dr Moreau Shaun McCann!

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
Too many to mention! But I'll do my best. Winning the league title for the first time in 27 years has got to be a highlight especially as we won it at home on the island in front of our own fans (I was at Salters Lane the night we beat Chatham Town 1-0 to win our last title too). Winning 3 cups on top of that. Seeing Sheppey play in front of 3 1,000+ attendances in 1 season when we played in front of crowds of 20 back in our very early days of the KCL (before Matt Smith and Ernie Batten became involved with the club) was also a proud moment for the club. And all of this achieved by playing stylish, attacking football without hoofing it up into the air.

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

We have so many good players who have played at Step 4 and Step 3 and even some players with Football League experience but it's hard to look past Danny Leonard. He was great for us before he left to join Dartford. They wanted to keep him and we heard rumours that a Step 1 side in Kent tried to sign him when we did and he chose Sheppey. With a year at Step 2 under his belt I think he'll the THE player to watch in the Isthmian South East - for any club.

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

Anything that sees us not relegated will be great! I know people rate Sheppey, as well as the other sides coming up, but this is a new league for us and it could well take us a while to get used to the standard of football at Step 4. I would be happy with mid table in our first year up to be honest but if the club start the season well I think we have a shot at the playoffs. The club are ambitious, though, and while it may be hubris we are aiming for the Premier Division at some point.

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

Ashford United and Chatham Town - we've built up good rivalries with both clubs over the last few years and all 3 sets of fans follow their clubs in numbers. Visiting new grounds is a plus for me so getting to all these grounds in Sussex I am really looking forward to. And, of course, renewing rivalries with Sittingbourne and Faversham again.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?
Hmm, good question. Chatham's ground is now an Isthmian ground so that is up there. But I like Homelands, Ashford's ground. Good ground made even better by some of the best fans in Kent (apart from Sheppey of course!).

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

Over recent years we've developed - some fairly friendly - rivalries with Ashford United, Chatham Town and Tunbridge Wells but it's hard to look past Sittingbourne. They're our oldest rivals, they're the first team the club ever played in 1890 and they're the closest to us geographically. With Sheppey on the up I think even Brickies fans are looking forward to our two games against each other next season. While this prediction may come back to bite me, I think both games will see 1,000+ attendances.

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

Bring ear plugs, we're noisy!

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

Another very good question. I've seen some players over the years but my all time favourite is "Trigger" Hunn. He was such a classy, tricky, skilful player during Sheppey's glory years of the 70s.

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

Ashford United, Cray Valley PM, Ramsgate, Haywards Heath Town, Sevenoaks Town

Thanks Shaun- 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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