With the thrills and spills of the 2023/24 season now over, we have asked supporters from across our four divisions to share their thoughts on the campaign.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part...
NAME | Pete Crockett
CLUB | Swindon Supermarine FC – Pitching In Southern League Premier South
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR CLUB AND HOW DID YOUR SUPPORT FIRST BEGIN? | I first watched Swindon Supermarine in 2006. Initially I split my watching between Swindon Town and Swindon Supermarine, however, I found myself enjoying Marine games more.
HOW MANY OF THIS SEASON’S GAMES WERE YOU ABLE TO ATTEND? | Of Marine’s 48 competitive matches, I attended 44. One family commitment plus a holiday in Ireland meant I missed four games.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM’S PLAYERS HAVE MOST STOOD OUT FOR YOU OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON AND WHY? | Two stood out. Sam Turl for his outstanding right back play and Ryan Campbell for his equally impressive displays at left back.
WHICH GAME MOST STANDS OUT FROM THIS SEASON AND WHY? | Having to wait until November for your first League win and then securing it against the best side in the division was memorable. Marine scored twice through Dave Sims-Burgess, Chesham pulled one back and then Marine dug deep for a fantastic victory that kick-started our great escape.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND TO VISIT AND WHY? | My favourite away ground is Merthyr Town’s Penydarren Park. An atmospheric ground that long ago hosted League football and, in my lifetime, European football. There is also a good rapport between the supporters of the two clubs.
HOW DID THE SEASON COMPARE TO YOUR HOPES DURING THE SUMMER? | Having just missed the play-offs the previous season, most Marine supporters were not expecting a relegation battle. However, the club lost some key players, had some bad luck, and then the parting of the ways with a much respected and successful manager. It was a spell where everything that could go wrong went wrong.
Head coach Stuart Fleetwood and his assistant Dan Gillespie then came in and took a fresh look at things. They altered the teams playing style, made some shrewd signings, and the form turned. In the last 30 matches form table Marine were in eighth place with a 1.5 points per game ratio. The management and players conjured a great escape.
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER