SEASON PREVIEW 2024-25
The Olympic Games concludes this weekend but the starting gun is just about to go on the football season with the EFL and much of the non league pyramid kicking off this weekend. From a Sussex point of view there will be much interest in the Isthmian South East with eight of the county’s clubs lining up against 12 from Kent and 2 from Surrey in an extended 22 club Division.
What follows is a brief rundown of the Division’s clubs this season although I certainly won’t be making any predictions as to who is likely to be successful this term. I’m sure not many would have predicted that Cray Valley PM would have emerged Champions last season and perhaps even less had Chichester City down for promotion which they achieved with some panache via the Playoffs. All we can be sure of is that all 22 clubs will be doing their utmost to put in good performances and prove the non league game is an edifying alternative to the VAR ridden product at the summit where TV money is King and the match going fans are very much second.
AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC
The Thornton Heath based side famously list Stormzy and Wilfred Zaha amongst their owners and won promotion from the Combined Counties last season via the Playoffs after a 5th place finish. If Stormzy fancies a trip to the away game at my local club Littlehampton, then I’m more than happy to do a duet with him in the bar afterwards. I’m not sure he’d be so keen on what would potentially be a career ending move.
ASHFORD UNITED
This will be Ashford’s eighth season at this level with a runner’s up spot in 2021-22 being their best effort. Two mid table finishes in the seasons since have been comparatively disappointing and they will be hoping to be back in promotion contention this time around.
BECKENHAM TOWN
This is their third season at this level and after a fantastic 4th (Playoff) position in their debut campaign ended up in the relegation position of 19th last term. Ground grading issues elsewhere saw their salvation and they may be hoping for a quieter season of consolidation this season.
BROADBRIDGE HEATH
The Bears were Southern Combination Champions in 2023 and after initially struggling to find their feet at Step 4 level ended the campaign in a creditable 9th place. A similar upward trajectory this season could see them in Playoff contention.
BURGESS HILL TOWN
The Hillians have been Isthmian League since 2004 and enjoyed a three-season spell in the Premier Division that was cut short in 2019. They have yet to come close to a return since and will no doubt be hoping for an improvement in form this time.
DEAL TOWN
This will be Deal’s first season as an Isthmian League club after clinching the Southern Counties East title last term. They’ve been a force in the Kent game for many years with a fine pedigree in the FA Vase; a trophy they won in 2000. Another quarter final last season in addition to their League success suggests they’re unlikely to be overawed at a higher level.
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN
The Wasps have been Isthmian League since 2014 but have invariably struggled at this level. They cut it particularly fine last season with a place one above the relegation line and will be hoping for a much comfier ride this term.
EASTBOURNE TOWN
The East Sussex side had a seven-year spell at Step 4 between 2007-14 but always struggled. After 10 years they are back via playoff success from the Southern Combination and will be hoping the step up proves easier this time around.
ERITH TOWN
Promoted via the Southern Counties East Playoffs after a 4th place finish and will no doubt hope to make a better fist of the higher level than neighbours Erith and Belvedere did last season. Changed their name from Woolwich Town after moving to the Erith Stadium but are now playing home games in Thamesmead following a rather nomadic existence.
HERNE BAY
The Kent side joined the Isthmian League in 2012 and were promoted to the Premier Division via the playoffs in 2022. Unfortunately, immediate relegation followed, and 8th place last season left them some way short of the playoffs.
HYTHE TOWN
Have played at this level since 2011 and have generally produced top half finishes. The high-water mark was a playoff spot in 2023 so last season’s 13th position would have come as something of a disappointment.
LANCING
The Lancers begin their fourth season in the Isthmian League and after two years of struggle would have been very satisfied with 6th place last term. Any sort of improvement this season will see them playoff bound at the very least.
LITTLEHAMPTON TOWN
As my local team I know more about them than any of their rivals although you’d be hard pushed to get any tactical insights from me. I can say with confidence though that you’ll get a nice pint and welcome in the Sportsman bar at the club. Beyond that I can say that with a new stand and a host of new signings Golds will be hoping to improve on last season’s 17th place finish.
MARGATE
The Kent side have generally been a lot higher in the Football Pyramid and were at National League South level as recently as 2017. I recall my team Fulham beating them very narrowly in an FA Cup tie in 1997 and so know they have the history and pedigree to hope their stay at Step 4 level proves a short one.
MERSTHAM
The Surrey side have been an Isthmian League side since 2008 and had a 7-year spell in the Premier Division before relegation in 2022. The subsequent two seasons have proved a struggle but a better second half to last season will give them hope they’re back on the rise.
PHOENIX SPORTS
Sports were relegated in 2022 after seven years at this level but bounced straight back via the playoffs the following year. Last season was tough at first, but a strong finish and 16th place saw them safe with something to spare.
RAMSGATE
The Rams were neck and neck with Cray Valley for the title last season but ultimately had to settle for runners up spot for the second season running. Play off disappointment hit them once again so they will be hoping its third time lucky this time around. A huge home support will no doubt be a help as they were during an excellent FA Cup run last season.
SEVENOAKS TOWN
This will be the Kent side’s seventh season at this level, and they have delivered a succession of solid mid table finishes. Suggests that just a marginal improvement could make them playoff contenders.
SHEPPEY UNITED
Successive 7th place finishes since promotion in 2022 and a run to the FA Cup first round shows there’s not too much wrong on the island.Could well be another potential playoff contender this season.
SITTINGBOURNE
The Brickies have been in the league since 2006 without tearing up too many trees. However last season’s 3rd place finish was a great step forward and despite defeat to Three Bridges in the playoffs they’ll be optimistic for more this season.
STEYNING TOWN COMMUNITY
Steyning had a stunning campaign last year with cup success and a League title as they finished Southern Combination Champions. Will be tough to be as successful at the higher level but Broadbridge Heath and Littlehampton who preceded them as Champions have proved it’s possible to adjust.
THREE BRIDGES
Had an excellent 4th place finish last season before Chichester proved a ‘Bridge’ too far in the playoff final. Will be hoping that having to play their home games as far away as Chatham doesn’t hinder hopes of a repeat performance this season.
Whichever club you follow enjoy the season and may the best team win (as long as it’s Fulham of course!)
John Clarke