Pitching In Isthmian Supporters predictions 23-24: Bognor Regis Town

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

One highlight was the 6-1 away win at eventually-promoted Aveley last August, which put us top of the table after three games. But that was as good as it got as we soon started tumbling down and eventually finished a disappointing 14th. A 5-2 win at Haringey was enjoyable too.

2. And what was the worst moment?

There were quite a number of moments to forget, including losing the Sussex Senior Cup final on sudden death penalties, after just needing to score the fifth to win it. Alas the ball ended up in row Z! Would have been nice to finish with some silverware but it was not to be. There were some crushing defeats too including a 4-0 loss at Horsham, although I did at least have the consolation of not witnessing it and instead was listening to commentary online next to a swimming pool in Marrakesh that afternoon. 

3. Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

There were a number of contenders but for me it would be a toss up between Joe Rabbetts and Nathan Odokenyero, both of whom have moved on- to Dartford and Ebbsfleet respectively. 

4. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2023-24 campaign?

I think midfielder Sam De St Croix can be a big player for us this season. From what I have seen so far, I’m liking the look of the new additions including Lucas Pattenden, Joseph Mather and Ben Anderson. Once fit, the returning Dan Smith (from Dulwich) will hopefully be back amongst the goals on a regular basis like before. 

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

During the Sussex Senior Cup final, a number of Worthing fans expressed amazement as to how we finished so low down in the Premier, claiming that we were better than quite a number of the sides they had faced in the National South. I do feel it was a bit of a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ season, week by week being unsure of which Bognor side was turning up, the good or the bad. With greater consistency, surely we will do a lot better than the 14th position from last season.

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

Probably the return of Dulwich. The situation at Chatham looks interesting too - we visit there on the opening day. Hopefully we can exorcise the ghost of our last visit there back in 2011 when we were pipped to the Division One South title on goal difference by one goal. Even though the club have enjoyed some successes in the last 12 years since, it still remains a sore point to some.   Other than that there are none that particularly stand out for me, not even the Sussex derbies. 

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

I liked Parkside (Aveley) last season and how it was all laid out. A lot of my favourite non-league grounds are no longer in the Isthmian.

8. If you regularly travelled away, which ground served the best food?

Historically it has all been very ‘samey’ at non-league grounds, all offering similar fare. But times and tastes have changed and these days we’re seeing all kinds of foods on offer, often seeing something different at each ground. I liked what they were serving up at Kingstonian (Tooting & Mitcham) last season, a nice little West Indian wrap. Elsewhere in the Isthmian, the pies at Burgess Hill are well worth a mention.

9. Choose your top five:

Hornchurch, Horsham, Canvey Island, Hashtag United, Billericay Town

Right, it's your turn! If you'd like to represent your club, please email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you'll see your answers here soon.

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