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Announced for 25/26 yesterday by Josh as Henry Ochieng. Great player and seems like a leader in a similar vain to Josh. Not the most vocal on the pitch but certainly is a top end performer. Another good addition to the squad for next year so nothing but positives behind that one.

Wasn't sure whether to post this on the Worthing thread, or this one, but this seems as good a place as any. First of all, massive (genuinely massive) congratulations to Gav, the management team, the players and the board for the turnaround since the start of February - it's been nothing short of remarkable. Our form since then has probably been upper mid table, if not pushing for the play-offs! I'll readily admit that I said that we were down, and had given up hope after the late equaliser that we conceded against Weymouth, which I had down as a must win game. The fact that the management and the team clearly hadn't given up, and were willing to scrap in every game shows enormous charachter, and to pull ourselves out of the position we were in is so much more of an achievement than winning promotion last season (as others have said). I think it's possible to distil all this down into that one performance at home to Truro as a perfect example - a goal down to the eventual league winners after 90 minutes, and we came away with 3 points (just gutted I wasn't there to celebrate). Talking about where we go from here, I don't think we need wholesale changes - as I've said already, our form after January has been good enough, and we've had a largely settled side, with some additional quality added (including loanees), so I think we aren't far away from being able to hold our own at this level. Clearly there are positions we need to strengthen - if you look at the list of goalscorers, that's pretty obvious (although easy to identify, probably a lot harder to fix). But if we can retain the players we want to retain from this season, and add a few who are good enough at this level to improve us, given that we are a lot more prepared 12 months later, and know better what to expect from this level, we'll hopefully go into 25/26 with a more settled side made up mostly of the players who dug us out of the hole we were in from the first part of the season. I'm not so keen to call out individual players on here, but I think post season is a good time to do so - the experience and nous of Thompson made him a massive signing, and I think all 3 CBs deserve a lot of credit, none of them look out of place at this level, and I hope we retain them for next year. Peake is an exciting player, who can and does make things happen - his injury came at a bad time for us, and he probably didn't quite get back to his best form after that, but an important player for us. Leonard as well was a player who grew on me over the season - given that he started as an attacking wide player, his defensive work has come on massively, and he seems well suited to wing-back, with plenty of energy to get up and down, and affect play in our attacking third too. Parcell and Brown in CM as well made a huge difference, neither of them are necessarily 'pretty' footballers, but they're effective and exactly what you need in a relegation scrap. Parcell got my vote for player of the season, but there were a few not far behind him. Bates as well made a difference, with his ability on the ball, energy and possibly most importantly, his set piece delivery - I remember the first game I saw him, we looked like scoring from each of our first 5 corners, and in a side where goals are at a premium, that's so important to have. Lastly, obviously Youngs deserves massive credit - I still don't know exactly where best to play him, but whilst he's fit enough, he obviously has to play - having a goal record like that from midfield in a struggling side is so impressive, and he, as much as anyone, dragged us out of the bottom 4 with his goals. So, what can we expect from next season? I personally think we'll again be one of the more favoured teams to go down, but maybe less so than last season. The second season after promotion can prove to be tricky (just ask Aveley), however we do go into next season with our eyes open, and a better understanding of what's needed at this level, and hopefully at least some of the players to help us execute. As much as I'd love for us to play expansive, passing football with two up front, I think we need to accept that Gavin and the management have concluded that we're most likely to pick up points by scrapping and disrupting, being good at set pieces, and being hard to break down - and based on the last 3 months, it's hard to argue with that (and I'm fully onboard). So I think next season will be more of the same, starting in August, and hopefully with a few extra players of the required standard, and ideally at least one other reliable source of goals. I don't think any of our forwards are bad, and a lot of them put in a shift, and make runs/create space to allow the likes of Youngs to get the ball in positions to score, but it would be a lot less worrying if we had a forward who could score 12 or 15 goals a season as well as put in the hard yards (a young Scott McGleish would be lovely). I think we'll continue to struggle against the top sides, as those 6 or 7 full time pro sides proved to me that they're the best sides in the league, and the table doesn't lie in that respect - I wasn't at the Truro or Dorking games where we picked up points, but I saw enough of the other sides up there to know that we're not going to get many points against them. Worthing on Saturday was a prime example of this - they had 11 players on the pitch who were better man for man than our 11 players, and they were all supremely comfortable on the ball - you have to just hold your hands up and applaud their passing and movement, and 1-5 didn't flatter them (Mo's 2nd wasn't bad either). We ended up looking a bit leggy in the last 3 games (probably after all the efforts that came before), and it's maybe a good thing that the season ended there. What I really hope for is that the fans are onboard with how we play, are more realistic about where we're likely/expected to finish and continue to back Gav and the team through thick and thin. I know a lot of people were questioning him at times this season, and I'm sure he'll be the first to admit that he got it wrong, and we were underprepared early on, but to turn that around tells me that he has the players backing, knows what he wants to do, and has a plan of how to do it. We should respect that, as there will be times next season when results aren't good, where we are on a poor run, where players aren't in form, and we should be backing them to the hilt at that point (with the knowledge of what happened this season as a reminder), and being that 12th man to help get us over the line. I'm also looking forward to the summer, and a break from all this - it's been a stressful season as a Town fan, and I've definitely never had as many sleepless nights worrying about football in the club's existence as this. A couple of months off for a complete reset will probably do me as much good as I'm sure it will the players and management, but before I sign off, a final 'well done' to everyone involved! 👍

Was never expecting anything from the game yesterday....yes the first half wasn't bad but quality rises to the top and their play at times had us chasing shadows. Yesterday wasn't like a Cup game.....unfortunately I missed our game v Truro however they must deservedly be champions with them being where they are, long journeys and apparently only have specific times when they can train....says a lot about our league that the likes of BW, Worthing, Eastbourne and Dorking will have to battle it out to go up via the playoffs. Form and experience count for everything. I said before yesterday that we'd probably done enough and the final day would be taken out of hands. Points are always more important than games ahead and that run between the New Year and April just saw us through and also says a lot that neither of the teams beneath us could get the result they needed yesterday. I said at the start of the season that finishing one place above relegation would be a massive achievement and that it certainly has. I think the arrival of Thompson, Hawkins, Brown and Bates have been huge in our survival. Sidwell has been overmatched but you can't knock his levels of effort and application. I think that Billy has really made progress this year, good in the air, very tricky on the ground and put in many a great cross as well as a few goals. All the time matched up with doubling up as a right back so he certainly deserves a summer break. Really pleased that Cian got a goal yesterday as his work rate and rattling defences has showed he deserved his starts recently. I'll happily have Sam if he's not good enough for the top 6 😂 😂 😂 Much like last season, really well done to Gavin and everyone who's played their part in the team's performances to stay in the division. We are in a stronger position than last season and now know what to expect moving forwards. I'm super happy we didn't get rid of Gavin midway....yes we haven't played the best football but we've played some great stuff at times and sometimes we just have to admit we are playing against stronger, more experienced and organised teams. Hopefully we can add a few players to strengthen the squad and I'll be keen to see if we can find the next speedy forward to add to our front line next season. Well done everyone !!!!

Don’t really want to say I told you but but erm I told you so 😊 Congratulations on a remarkable second half of this season and see you next season.

Hi everyone. Few things… Brian was carrying a knock at half time. He didn’t play Friday. Nnamaeka sadly played the last 10 minutes on Friday and got injured. He was meant to start for us Saturday which was a massive shame. Balu is very much part of our plans moving forward. He pulled his thigh in training a couple of weeks ago. He would’ve played by now, he’s very good. The post with Jammers was a tad premature. We want to do an announcement where we notify everyone of the situation. Retained, offered deal to, leaving club.

I noticed this also whilst shopping, but needs to be advertised to the wider public.

Amazingly 2 of the Dorking goals were own goals both scored by the same player who scored the winning goal for Boreham Wood in added time Does that count as a hat trick?

Spurs fan or not I'm very grateful for his excellent commentary which is normally very fair and not extremely biased like some I've heard provided by other clubs.

You keep posting, Albury ☺️. Nothing wrong with friendly (?!) banter between local rivals. I think you'll find most of us on here miss the local derbies against Cheshunt, Haringey, Potters Bar, Wingate etc. In fact, Cheshunt (and Bishop's Stortford) are good examples of the downside of promotion to National League South (or North, in BS's case) and not managing to survive the first season. You both finished 15th this season - pretty disappointing? Promotion set you guys back by a couple of seasons. Now our yardstick needs to be Aveley. Can we survive a second season?!

Congratulations Bedford Town and to you London Eagle

Did somebody mention my name 🤔 Begrudged congratulations for now 🤬🤬🤬 How fortunate that there was 4/5 clubs as rank as you lot. 🤮 There's and old saying my townie friends "Every dog has his day" ✊ at least I'll have the pleasure of seeing another struggle next season and more moaning and howling for Gavs head . Hopefully money bags Billericay will get through the playoffs to put 2 more defeats your way . Anyway enjoy the summer break . Unkind regards A .W. 😡😡😡

No just get the posh chairs out of the shed.

Will we have to extend the dugouts?

Haaaaaaassss anyone seen Audrey 🤣 Could we be Nat League North next season? Or Hemel move to North?

All above is true, we had a sticky period with a lot of difficult away games. I think it’s a remarkable achievement for the club to be honest. Going into a much more competitive league with clubs with the buying power of Torquay, Maidstone and Borehamwood and to end up with a mid table position I think is a testament to the board, players and management of the football club - also bearing in mind we swapped managers towards the tail end of last season - think we were fortunate that Daryl was available to us. I think it’s going to be a critical time before next season, we saw what happened to Aveley, play offs last season , relegated this season - it’s not an easy league. The ambition (and the issues we face as a club) were all explained in the recent club meeting I was encouraged by that.

Dear Mr Albury_Walker 🤣

No big day out for the little village team next season. Maybe see you in 26/27? 😘

We are are staying up!! Arguably the best achievement in our history. I admire the tenacity and believe of Gavin and the management. Kept going when most would have given up. Amazing 🙌COYT!!!

3rd out of 18 in the "part-time league". Massive achievement in their first season.

I know there’s no room for romanticism in football but I kinda hoped slavi would have given the penalty to Josh.

Massive respect to Gavin and the team. In the dark days of winter when we looked dead and buried he kept believing and becomes a Town legend after just two incredible seasons. No play off and European distractions this year so hopefully time to put together and side with more goals in it. COYT.

Can't be there today but wishing all connected with ETFC the very best of luck today. Really hope the results go our way, I think we deserve to stay up. Can't wait to see the new stand, the photos the contractor has put online look absolutely fantastic. Elite Stands on X: "Busy few weeks at @ETFCOfficial But oh boy wasn’t it worth it 😍 400 seater from our Solva range plus 4 wheelchair spaces Super proud of the installation team for they’re efforts the past month 💪 https://t.co/VL77s8gReK" / X

All three would be in the South. The 24 most northern go in the North. Which is why Hereford now and Gloucester before were there. Won't be confirmed until all promotion play offs complete.

I think we probably deserve another season at Step 2, but being a natural pessimist, I'm trying to look at the positives if we do fall just short on Saturday: We will have a shiny new stand; Hopefully we've made a few £ from the bumper crowds at our last two home games; On paper, St Albans have a better squad than us - with the likes of Jeffers who has scored the most goals ever in NLS; If St Albans stay up they are at serious risk of being moved to National League North next season; We've had some great moments to add to the archive: Lewis Taaffe's goal Vs Torquay, claiming a point at Dorking, beating Truro... We've shown (eventually) that we can hold our own at Step 2 - it isn't a pipe dream

Lenchy wouldn’t have been happy being a squad player, that’s for sure. It’s not only that, but he would’ve been an expensive player for the bench. Lenchy and I are still good friends, but like I said last night, I just felt as though Leon would’ve been the one to make way for him in that midfield which I didn’t believe was the right thing to do! Leon is now attracting attention from some big clubs in the EFL so the decision I made, whether it was applauded or hated, has proven to be the right one at that moment in time. Regarding ‘10th highest’, I honestly don’t know where that has come from! I just had to double check that I was the only person that didn’t hear it! That definitely wasn’t said! I think Ash’s message, along with mine, is that ‘if’ I can get our recruitment correct with the budget we have then we can achieve a top half finish and over achieve. You only have to look at the cost of Leon, David and Slavi to see that there are some exceptionally good players who don’t cost stupid amounts of money. The issue with that is that they won’t always work as well as those 3 have! Its down to me now to try and get that correct! As you’ve now heard, I was offered the opportunity to go and work with two bigger budgets in this league and turned it down as I have no affiliation with those clubs. The work Ash and the board are doing is absolutely brilliant and I want to be a part of that. It’s not an overnight fix, it’s a slightly longer term plan which I’ve certainly got the patience for and I hope you guys have too! Thanks to those that came along. Really enjoyable evening.

The Borehamwood v. Dorking playoff had a touch of craziness to it. Dorking, down to 10 men, go 1-3 up with two OGs from Femi Ilesamni. BW get back to 3-3 in the last 7 minutes. Then this from Femi on 90+6 https://x.com/TheVanaramaNL/status/1917320832151412890

Rumour: Haringey fans reckon the end of the Sunday car boot sale in their carpark spelled the end of the funds for the club. Not sure if that's true but... 🤷‍♂️ Giving away free season tickets can't have helped.

I think one of them will. Particularly as all but Fylde of the Step 1 relegatees will come south.

Yep. They are. Fortunately they don't have a leg to stand on as they don't actually have any legs.

Sorry mixing them up with Cray Wanderers. No I meant they’d be weaker in terms of budget compared to those other 3.

One of the best days of my life, mate.

Illiterate! Try spelling and punctuation maybe? 🤔🤔🤔

After Dagenham's 6-1 win yesterday, you'd have to make them favourites to get at least a point.

All we need is for Dagenham to get a point at Solihull to send Maidenhead down. Not an easy place to go but Solihull have nothing to play for so fingers crossed.

'Twas never in doubt 🤪 Enjoy your summer, Towners, we've got to do it all again in August.

Hopefully! See you in the play-offs this time next year! 👀

Remarkable title win for next seasons opponents Horsham. They won 5-1 to win the title by +1 goal.

Even squeekier bums down here in West Sussex at half time. But hats off to Truro City. If you need to win, going 3-0 up in the first 10 minutes is a good way to start.

make that 3 ))))

Official opening of the new stand in August to celebrate the fact that we are still in the NLS?

"We are delighted to announce that our end-of-year awards ceremony will take place at Butlers Bar, located within the Dave Bryant Stadium, following the conclusion of the Worthing game. Please note that this event is contingent upon the club securing its National League South (NLS) status for the season. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our members and supporters in this special setting." What happens if we don't? We're all sent home and the awards put in the bin? Surely, there should be recognition for the team's efforts whether we win or lose today. Or will that be held at a different time? Also, the new 400 seater stand is ready and there are temporary toilets behind the stands at each end today.

Don't like a lot of them either, or the club these days. Anyway, enough of chatting about them on here. Towners is what it's all about.

I remember the days of getting the half-times on the A B C... boards around the perimeter of the pitch at 1st Division matches and having to buy the programme to work out which game was which.

I use Flashscore on my Android phone, highlight the games I'm interested in (click the star) and I get notifications when anything happens of interest in that game, saves trying to listen to or watch more than one game. That's what I will be doing, listening to AANP's excellent commentary and waiting for Truro to ping my phone with endless goals.

Not sure why you are defending those at the NL after the way the club was dealt with for the COVID era fines, some very strange decisions and inconsistencies.

The brown envelopes are only for birthday cards!

Congratulations from Bedford Town on your 3rd league title in a row. https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordtownfootballclub/news/board-message-2914075.html

It all depends on what mates you have on the NL board and if you are prepared to dish out the brown envelopes! Allegedly (to keep curtis happy) as there is never any corruption in football 115.

Just one more Southern League Division One Central fixture remaining this season, on Saturday (26 April) at Thame United, what an incredible campaign it has been and the third successive promotion as Champions: