Isthmian Supporters Predictions 24-25: Margate

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. 

Stewart is our guide to the Land of Libertines

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

Let’s face it, there weren’t many! The win away at Cheshunt at the end of March gave us hope where little seemed to be obvious. It was of course, a false dawn, but it showed what the team could, and maybe should, have done. If only, if only!

2. And what was the worst moment?

Hmm, let’s have a think about that one. Relegation seems pretty obvious! The whole season, bar the last 5 or 6 games, were an unmitigated disaster, so to be honest I’d be inclined to say the whole of the 2023/2024 campaign.

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

You may be surprised to learn that we actually had quite a few players do really well last year. Harry Seaden in goal was epic all year, Steve Cawley banged goals in for fun. Genuinely good luck to both of them for the future as they have left for pastures new.

Ben Greenhalgh did his customary exquisite passing, super free kicks and chipping the 'keeper from the half way line. But I would give it to two players - Fynn Rutherford came through the ranks to show what a talent he is and Harry Hudson was, as the song goes ‘Solid as a rock’. Their desire alone was impressive and they never went 'missing'.

The players were not our problem to be honest, the reason we got relegated was for ‘other’ reasons shall we say. Naming no name – singular.

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

With Ben Greenhalgh now in charge, he has clearly gelled the remnants of last years squad and kept the majority on board for this season. A number of the players could have easily left and stayed in the Premier Division or above, but they chose to stay. That’s down to Ben. Therefore, there are quite a few that will make a big impact.

Two players I will mention that have great potential though. Vinnie Bowman is a youngster who exploded onto the first XI scene at the end of last season. He made a big impact for someone so young and I expect/hope he will kick on from there.

The other is Trialist A ! We all know what it’s like pre-season. You have a job lot of the Trialist family play for your team and one of them looks really good  (Mrs Trialist must be a very proud Mother). You think to yourself “He’s half decent – hope we sign him” and lo and behold you do. It also turns out [said very tongue in cheek] that his name isn’t Trialist A, but is in fact Kai Grande. He looks a really exciting prospect, so looking forward to seeing both Kai and Vinnie this year.

I haven’t even mentioned Tom Wray our new goalkeeper. Big gloves to fill from last year, but again, looks really useful.

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

Tricky one this with it being a new division. I’ll be honest here. I don’t know much about a lot of the teams. Ramsgate, Hythe Town and Herne Bay aside, most are relatively new to me. I’d be disappointed if we weren’t shouting for honours come the end of the season, but I’m realistic enough to know that this is a really competitive division. Watching it from afar last year, you could see there were several teams in with a very good shout. No one saw Chichester City getting promoted did they?!

So, I’d like us to be at least in the Play-Offs. Hopefully promoted back to the Premier -  how, exactly, I really won’t care!

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

I live near Brighton, so this year most away games are actually home games for me – make sense of that if you are reading this late at night. With a number of clubs quite near to me, I’m looking forward to those – especially because I haven’t actually been to many of them. It also means I’m not spending every weekend on the M25 – that’s just torture!

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

I’ve been to many, so tricky to answer that. I’ll say Dulwich Hamlet because I’m originally from South London and given their recent issues with their [cough] ‘Landlords’, it’s always nice to help a fellow non-league club get past bureaucracy and greed gone mad.

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

Oh, the ‘best food’ question. Always a bone of contention amongst fellow away trippers. Personally, I like Margate’s food but I’ll be accused of being biased – so otherwise will be a bit controversial and say Folkestone Invicta. 

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

Burgess Hill Town, Hythe Town, Margate, Ramsgate, Sheppey United

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.