Taking a Bostik bow: Whitehawk

With the expansion of our League (and the alterations which the FA have made to the pyramid) we have a number of clubs who are entirely new to us, haven’t been part of our setup for rather a long time, or are returning to us after some time away. We decided that the best way to introduce- or to reintroduce- them to Bostik League supporters was through the eyes of one of their own.

Here are Andrew and Adam explaining what it means to be an East Sussex Hawk!

How long have you been a supporter of Whitehawk?

Adam: 3 years.

Andy: 3 years.

Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

Adam: A friend of mine from work had told me about the Whitehawk fans; what they stood for and about the unique atmosphere they created. It really resonated with me and seemed like something I’d want to be part of.

Andy: I'd heard about the fans, but it wasn’t until the FA Cup game against Dagenham and Redbridge, which I watched on television, that I understood what Whitehawk were all about. Having just moved down the road I decided to give it a go, and and like Adam haven’t left since. As someone born and bred down the road from Stamford Bridge and a despondent local Chelsea fan priced out of games it was something new, but it immediately gave me a sense of belonging.

And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?
Adam: The fans, the friends and the message the club and fans purvey, football should be for everyone.

Andy: Well I’d like to say those cold Tuesday night games in the back of beyond but I’d Be lying! In all seriousness it is definitely the fun, the friends I’ve made, and the Smirnoff ice- but I think most importantly it’s the atmosphere and community spirit of the club, it feels like home.

What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

Our home games we always meet up for a pre match beer or two and a game of pool, head to the ground for about 230,grab a latest issue of our fanzine if it’s out and then to the bar for a much needed pint!

Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

It would have to be the reaching the second round of the FA Cup and taking Dagenham and Redbridge to a replay at the Enclosed Ground- if we won we would have gone on to Goodison Park To play Everton, what could have been, eh? It was the first time in our history we'd reached the second round so it is a big achievement.

Also, for a lot of fans our game away at Dartford goes down in folklore. It was 3 seasons ago a few months after the Dagenham game in the FA Cup, we hadn’t picked up a point in ages and this was the turning point of our season. We were 2-0 down in the 78th minute and by full time it was 4-2 to Whitehawk! A massive Danny Mills hat trick had earned him the match ball, until dartford officials raced out from the clubhouse to stop his car leaving and demanding he give the ball back! It was a very comical day out, the game had everything; highs, lows and euphoria, we went on to reach the playoffs and missed out on the finals losing on penalties to Ebbsfleet= but what a journey it was!

For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

Once you’ve found the ground after navigating your way through East Brighton Park you can’t miss the mural of a huge hawk on the wall of our fans/club shop as soon as you come through the turnstiles. After that you’ll be met with a covered seating stand and players tunnel on the left, the clubhouse and what leads to the famous din end on the right- with a our much treasured disco ball which hangs at every home game without fail.

We have stands either end of the goal, and a covered stand to the side of the pitch. We also have a small club shop and a decent clubhouse.

If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

Lots of parking spaces at the back of the ground.

Transport wise there are two buses from the centre of Brighton that stop at the entrance to the park -the number 1 from North Street and the 7 from outside Brighton station, very easy to get to - £2.20 for a single on the bus.

Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?

The Mad Hatter Pub at Rock Place has a great beer garden and pool table- situated one bus stop after the hospital.
If you like a pre match fry up then Macs Cafe is your place- on Arundel Street, it’s the cafe of Whitehawk.

Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

The BN2 beer is brewed 5 mins away from East Brighton Park and is couresty of Brighton Bier Co. Last season we said goodbye to pies and hello to fried chicken and chips; it’s something different but perfect to eat while watching the football and we would recommend it!