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 | Simon Greig
CLUB | Redditch United – Pitching In Southern League Premier Central
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR CLUB AND HOW DID YOUR SUPPORT FIRST BEGIN? | I started going three years ago after becoming disillusioned with pro football. Went to Redditch United v Banbury United and was hooked straight away! Everything about non-League football is far more enjoyable; being part of your local club, your voice is heard and, of course, a beer or two on the terraces.
HOW MANY OF THIS SEASON’S GAMES WERE YOU ABLE TO ATTEND? | I am a season-ticket holder and went to every game home and away, bar one (at home against Barwell as I was on holiday). Including pre-season friendlies and two nine-hour round trips to Needham Market on cold Tuesday nights - the first one got postponed! I am proud to be part of the ever-growing travelling Red Army on away days and presenter of the Greigy Match Report on Facebook following games.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM’S PLAYERS HAVE MOST STOOD OUT FOR YOU OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON AND WHY? | Reece Flanagan - midfielder and captain - top scorer and talismanic ginger-haired playmaker, he was at the heart of most of our better performances and led the team well. Alex Cameron - striker on loan from Rushall Olympic - chipped in with double-figures goals too, hard-working and uncompromising forward. Danny King - winger/forward - didn’t score as many goals as we’d have liked but a versatile player who is probably best out at wing-back. Ryan Wollacott - defender - rock of a player, has been our most consistent performer over the last three years, great in the air and chips in with many set-piece goals. Adam Harrison - goalkeeper - stepped up from Step 5 last year and didn’t look out of place this season, great shot-stopper and a calm head at the back.
WHICH GAME MOST STANDS OUT FROM THIS SEASON AND WHY? | There were several great games I attended, but few could match the drama of Alvechurch 4 Redditch United 4 in August. We went 3-1 down at half-time but battled back, going 4-3 up in the last minute with an amazing 40-yard lob from Liam Armstrong. Sadly, for us, we conceded a penalty in injury time but it was an exhilarating afternoon of football!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND TO VISIT AND WHY? | AFC Telford United have an amazing facility that wouldn’t look out of place in League Two, but for the best atmosphere, it was at Halesowen Town, for sure. They have a great little ground and the fans make plenty of noise. We nicked three points too with a late winner in a 2-1 victory.
HOW DID THE SEASON COMPARE TO YOUR HOPES DURING THE SUMMER? | To be honest we didn’t expect to compete the way we did. Our pre-season didn’t feel great and early performances weren’t brilliant, although we picked up points. However, the group of players grew stronger and they’ve done exceptionally well to make the play-offs. With some off the field issues with our manager, the rest of the coaching staff stepped up and everyone in the club has been galvanised - we fell short in the play-offs but the club feels like it is finally on the up, after several years in the doldrums.
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