Isthmian Supporters Predictions 24-25: Herne Bay

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. 

It’s time for a trip to the Kentish seaside, courtesy of James

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

It has to be our home game vs Three Bridges. The game finished as a draw,  which sounds like an odd highlight, but we were 3-nil down in the 59th minute, and the game felt like it was over until a goal from Salako straight after the restart. He then got another in the 69th and yet another in the 78th. An eighteen minute hat trick to draw the game 3-3- what a game! I need to also mention Lancing away, not many travelled but the ones that did were loud. We won the game after a few great goals, too. 

2. And what was the worst moment?

The worst moment is a tough one as I try to forgot those. We had some very harsh decisions with penalties and cards that really changed games but you have to just let that go. My worse moment was probably fairly early in the season away to Sheppey, where we were comfortably winning 2-0 at half time. Second half we looked in control but conceded a goal and then another against the run of play to draw 2-2. I felt really disappointed after the game as we were the better team for 90% of the match. As a group of fans we were pretty gutted.   

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

Over the whole season I had a hard decision choosing this. When we voted at the club I ended up voting for Pontie (Harrison Pont) as he had a good season at the back as well as contributing a few ‘worldie’ goals. I also would like to mention Frankie Smith who was amazing and only got better and better. Sam German who we had on loan from Bromley for a few months was probably one of my favourite players, and it was unfortunate that we couldn’t keep him longer, as I think he would have made the difference when we were pushing for play offs.   

4. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 24-25 campaign?

The team is still taking shape, and we have managed to retain a fair amount of the squad and gained a few new players who are looking very decent, but… Jack Parter. That’s easy for me to answer. He was a huge part of our promotion season and stuck around when it was tough the season after when we came back down. He had a season away from the club and has now come back and I’m so happy about that. I think he’s going to thrive with Steve Lovell as manager.

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

I think we will be up there. We have lost a few key players from last season but we have also gained a few quality players, so I think we will be a stronger team and get straight into it. A lot of teams who were strong last season have also strengthened their squads so it’s very hard to say, but we always seem to be a team people want to beat and I think we still will be. 

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

I’m really looking forward to both of our games with Margate and Deal Town. Having two more really local teams- who both play good football- in the league is great. A couple of decent away days coming up. Naturally these come over holiday periods too,  so we should see big numbers both home and away. 

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Bognor Regis Town in the Premier Division was my favourite ground. This year I get to visit a few new grounds so that’s exciting but Lancing is always decent. Ask me again at the end of the season and I may have a new answer.

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

The best food I have had was a at Burgess Hill Town. I’m sure it was Hill that had fresh butchers sausages and burgers. 

9. Who do you think will finish in the top five? 

Sittingbourne, Ashford United, Herne Bay, Deal Town, Margate

Thank you- now, who’s next? If you’d like to represent your club please send an email to Ian at [email protected] and we’ll send you the questions.