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 | Nick Gulliford
CLUB | Merthyr Town – Pitching In Southern League Premier South
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR CLUB AND HOW DID YOUR SUPPORT FIRST BEGIN? | It was 12 years ago when I started supporting the club. I was originally a Cardiff City supporter, but with players coming and going every season and having no identity with the club, I went to watch a few Merthyr games as I had always watched their results with interest and I was soon hooked. The passion from the players and fans was completely opposite to what it was at Cardiff.
HOW MANY OF THIS SEASON’S GAMES WERE YOU ABLE TO ATTEND? | As I live in London, it meant that I was able to get to more away games than I was home games. I managed to get to 16 away matches, a lot of them with my kids.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM’S PLAYERS HAVE MOST STOOD OUT FOR YOU OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON AND WHY? | All of the team stood out, but if I had to pick individuals, I would say that Ricardo Rees once more proved to be a top striker in this League, Tom Handley proved that he has the most powerful shot in non-League football, Lewys Twamley is a real fans’ favourite, Nick Rhodes gave another defensive masterclass and Alex John’s pin-point passing was a pleasure to watch.
WHICH GAME MOST STANDS OUT FROM THIS SEASON AND WHY? | I still remember our game at Beaconsfield Town, which was our first away trip of the season. Some of our passing, particularly in the first half, was like watching Brazil!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND TO VISIT AND WHY? | I like Harrow Borough; not only do we have a good record there, the terracing behind the goal is great. I will miss them now that they have been relegated. I also think that Hanwell Town is a great little ground and an amazing pitch to play on.
HOW DID THE SEASON COMPARE TO YOUR HOPES DURING THE SUMMER? | I did expect us to get into the play-offs. The highs outweighed the lows over the course of the season as a whole. Conceding a last-minute penalty away at Bracknell Town was a particularly low moment, but there were so many highs and I prefer to remember them. Celebrating goals with my three kids and the players and fans whom I also love is what it’s all about!
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