Nobody thought that at the end of this season, we’d be planning for next season in a lower division. Sadly, we are and now have to get ready to challenge for promotion out of the Isthmian League Premier Division and promotion back to National League South.
We have taken the time to listen to and read our supporters comments on things we should consider, to bring everybody together and ensure we move forward as ‘one club’.
There are so many good things that have and are going well – the club is in many ways in a very strong position despite the heartbreak of relegation.
Our Women’s team have had a fabulous season, currently sitting in 2nd place in the league, winners of the League Cup Final and in the final of the Kent Cup on Thursday of this week at Maidstone.
Our Senior Academy side won the National League under 19 Alliance and provided a stream of players in to the first team this season.
In the Youth Development Centre, our under 13’s won the Junior Premier League, produced several sides making the National Finals and the girls section being led by the under 16’s winning their league.
Our Community Trust goes from strength to strength running a variety of projects throughout our Primary School network.
On to plans for next season, 2024/2025.
Season Tickets will be going on sale today and we will be running an early bird scheme until Sunday 2nd June. These prices mean that with a season ticket you will receive a 33.33% discount on the price at the turnstile. Also look out for the re-introduction of a limited number of 10 year season tickets and 5 year 1888 Club membership.
We have introduced a youth season ticket for 13-16 year olds at no cost – yes, free of charge. The same for our Junior Darts this season – 5-12 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult, but free of charge for the kids.
These do of course need to be applied for in the early bird period, although for the youth and child ones the early bird offer extends until the 30th June.
Another introduction for next season is allowing drink on the terraces which will start from the first league game – many have been asking for this for a while and we have decided to trial the idea. This includes the re-opening of the bar on the terrace at the car park end of the ground which will be named the Darts Bar. This bar will be for the exclusive use of our season ticket holders, another great benefit.
There will be other changes to the matchday experience which we will be announced over the close season.
So, let’s look forward to a new season and get fully behind Ady Pennock and the squad that he assembles through the summer. News of which will start in the next day or two with updates on last seasons squad.