This coming Saturday sees the first of eight pre-season friendlies arranged to get the cobwebs out of the season and hone skills ready for the first competitive match on 3 August. The players are in their third week of training. The quality of the sessions has been good which has been reflected by the number turning out for each session. Pleasingly manager Chris Balchin has been able to retain the core of last season’s side that achieved a seventh-place league finish. Equally gratifyingly Balchin has been able to strengthen in several positions with one or two targeted players coming on board. With perhaps a couple of players still to sign the squad is close to being finalised.
On Saturday we visit our old friends from Ash United in a game to be played on the 3G at Ash Manor School (kick-off 3pm). That match is followed up by a “home” friendly against Epsom & Ewell which will be played on Tuesday 9 July at Surrey Sports Park. The full list of friendly fixtures can be seen below.
This week the club was pleased to announce that Theo Woodhouse has been appointed club captain for the forthcoming season. Theo is thriving on the responsibility and has already impressed with his attitude and leadership. Billy Irving, who impressed so much in his debut season last year, will be vice-captain. At this point I would like to thank Nemo Adams for all he did for the club over several seasons. Nemo has decided to move on but during his time at the club he was an excellent captain, and moreover was a great confidante to the manager when a listening ear was required. We wish Nemo all the best for the future.
We are also delighted to once again thank our sponsors for their support. Gallagher Building Services’ logo will be seen on the front of our new home shirt, whilst Manya Building Supplies and A1 Strank Roofing will have their logos on the reverse. We also thank Barrelfield Distribution who will sponsor the front of the new away shirt. We also thank Dunham & Vardy Construction who has sponsored the club’s new polo shirt.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available from £35 and we will be pleased to hear from interested parties. Season tickets are also still available for the season, and prices are being held at the early-bird rate until 1 August. Such is the level of expectation around the club with its return to the Spectrum that the club has sold more season tickets this year than in any other season. Early Bird Season ticket form 19-20
| Saturday 6 July | Ash United | 3G Ash Manor School, Manor Road, Ash GU12 6QH | 3pm |
| Tuesday 9 July | Epsom & Ewell | Surrey Sports Park 3G, Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford GU2 7AD | 7.30pm |
| Saturday 13 July | Loxwood | 3G Ash Manor School, Manor Road, Ash GU12 6QH | 3pm |
| Tuesday 16 July | Alton Town | Anstey Park, Alton (3G) | 7.45pm |
| Saturday 20 July | Pagham | Nyetimber Lane, Pagham, West Sussex PO21 3JY | 3pm |
| Tuesday 23 July | Horsham YMCA | Gorings Mead, Horsham RH13 5BP or Colliers School, Horsham | 7.45pm |
| Saturday 27 July | Alfold | Recreation Ground, Dunsfold Road, Alfold GU6 8JB | 3pm |
| Tuesday 30 July | Godalming Town Surrey Hire Trophy | Wey Court, Godalming GU7 3JE | 7.45pm |
