Saturday 21st October 2023 3pm – The Isthmian Premier League – The Dripping Pan

Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s Isthmian Premier League game against Enfield Town. Here is your complimentary e-programme.

Good afternoon and welcome to The Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s Isthmian Premier League game against our very good friends, and fellow community club, Enfield Town. I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from north of the river.

These are my last notes I will write as Chair, and elected board member of the club. Next week will see my 12 year anniversary since I was elected to the board in the first ever club elections, which is the limit set in the rules for community football clubs and so I will hang up my proverbial sheepskin coat, existing the directors box on my way to once again being “just a fan”.

There’s been lots of highs and lots of lows. I doubt anyone ever sets out on being the Chair of a club – you just somehow end up taking on the mantle, hoping to do the title and the club proud. I learnt some of the etiquette from the likes of Terry Parris, and his Dad Derrick, and of course Peter Hiscox, but I’ve never been one to completely toe the line and so I’ve tried to approach the role, and the responsibility that comes with it, with honesty, integrity and openness. It has been a huge privilege to have served the club and whilst it is with sadness that I step down at one of the most pivotal times in the club’s history, I do so knowing I’ve done a job I’m proud of.

In a rare quiet moment this week I worked out that I have been a director for 568 Men’s games (excluding today), of which I am pleased to say we have won (222) more than we have lost (206), scoring 881 goals in the process (conceding 836). Time certainly flies when you have fun. There’s far too many people to list to say thank you to. Current and former directors, managers, players and of course fans, but it is my family that have patiently allowed me to do the role, often dealing with my moods caused by defeats and disappointments that I have to thank the most.

It would have been amazing to bow out with a FA Cup First Round game but it was not to be last week at Aldershot Town. We did ourselves proud but on the day just came up short – thank you for everyone who travelled to The Recreation Ground to support the Rooks.

Next week sees the start of the historic vote into whether the club should progress with an investment proposal from Mercury 13. I know the subject has become a polarising issue among many of you, and I hope that whatever the result of the vote, everyone can find a way to work together for the sake of the club and not individual views.

There’s a phrase used in the Maori culture – “Whakapapa” which is what I want to bow out for one final time with and means be prepared to plant trees that you’ll never sit in the shade of.

Come on you Rooks!

Stuart

Director Stuart Fuller to step down upon hitting 12-year mark at helm of Lewes FC

Lewes FC is sad to announce that the club’s current longest serving Director, Stuart Fuller will step down on October 26, which marks 12 years since his election onto the first ever community elected board in 2011.

As per club rules, twelve years is the maximum consecutive length of time a Director can participate on the board.

Stuart has been Chair of the club since January 2015, overseeing a great deal of change in that time within Lewes FC and across non-league football.

Lewes FC CEO Maggie Murphy said, “Stuart has devoted endless hours and hours of his time to the club. Whether at home, away or online, he has gone over and above to serve the club and its supporters with great depths of patience and dedication.

“For every single action seen externally, there are countless unseen actions and tasks he has fulfilled behind the scenes. He will be missed.”

Director John Peel said, “It has been a privilege to have been Stuart’s colleague on the Board for 8 years and I feel very fortunate that he has given 12 years of devotion to our club.

“Our football club models itself as one trying to do things differently. To challenge the status quo and do so with respect, dignity, and fairness. These are all values that emanated from Stu right back to when he started in 2011 and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

“I’d ask that all fans reciprocate the passion Stu feels for the club with recognition at our home game Saturday.”

Stuart said, “I’m sad to be leaving the board of the club at such a pivotal moment in our history, knowing that the next few months will shape our future and not being able to be part of that in an official capacity will be tough.

“However, I know I am leaving the club in very competent, caring and capable hands. It has been an honour to represent Lewes Football Club every day, in every situation.

“We may not have had the success on the pitch that we have deserved, but nobody can doubt the impact off the pitch we have made in the football world.

“I’d like to thank my fellow directors (past and present), staff, owners, volunteers, fans, players, managers, coaches and everyone else who I have worked with, as well as my family who have had to endure every kick, every point, every bad performance and every issue that has taken me away from time with them.”

Director Andy Gowland said, “The wealth of experience, knowledge and breadth of network across non-league football that Stu has brought through his time at the club has been instrumental in helping it to grow to where it is today.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Stuart through my time at the club and I really enjoyed learning from him and really appreciate his continued and loyalty to the club.”

Director Trevor Wells will temporarily take over the helm as Interim Chair until the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to take place late November, when elections for Directors will be held. Once the new board is in place, Directors will select a new Chair.

Trevor said – “It has been a pleasure serving on the Board with Stuart for the last three years. His support and knowledge of the game has been invaluable to me and the rest of the board.

“I won’t forget Stu’s wry smile when giving a diplomatic response to a difficult question.”

Stuart finished by saying, “There’s a Greek Proverb that has driven me to always want to do things better for Lewes Football Club, “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never see.”

The club invites all fans and supporters to celebrate and thank Stuart at half time during the home game versus Enfield Town on Saturday 21 October.

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s fixture against Enfield Town.

Saturday’s game left me feeling a little flat. I felt flat because I was looking at the team we were playing, and I knew we could have beaten them, so we missed a chance to do something special, and you don’t get that opportunity very often in life. We have five wingers on our books, so to have 4 of them unavailable was not helpful. It meant I had to come up with a new shape to fit the players we have available. I still thought that game plan could still work, and we had a good session in the build-up to the game, so I felt confident coming into the game. That may have changed as little as 15 minutes into the game when we were 2-0 down! We started the game okay; then we just gave them a goal out of nowhere. I want us to be brave and play from the back, so I will always back us, but on that one, I couldn’t see what he was trying to do, so that was pretty disappointing, and we hadn’t cleared our heads after the first goal and found ourselves 2-0 down. When Alf made a back pass to their forward, who hit the post, I was starting to fear the worst, but from that point, we began to grow into the game. Tommy had a shot just wide when put in down the side. Then he had a good chance when he cut inside the centre half, but he didn’t connect cleanly and right on half time, Harvey had a shot cleared off the line, so at half time, I wanted to concentrate on the last 20 mins of the first half where I thought we were on top and I felt we could still get something from the game. We started the 2nd half as we finished the first and were on top and scored an excellent goal.

We moved them around with the ball, then slipped Tommy in on goal down the side, and he finished really well, and you thought it was game on. They go down the other end, and we clear the ball straight to thier forward, who makes it 3-1. Still, we pushed, and Tommy turned his defender and had the keeper to beat, but the keeper made the save. They scored a 4th with the last kick of the game, and that flattered them for me. Don’t get me wrong, they deserved to win the game, but outside of the mad first 15 minutes, I didn’t see much in the game. It would have been interesting to go there with the wide boys available and have played the shape we wanted to, but I guess we will never know. We wish Aldershot all the very best vs Swindon.

Back to league action on Saturday when Enfield comes to town. They are sitting 4th and have had a great start to the season; it’s going to be a challenging game, that’s for sure, and we are going to have to play well. The fans have been so good this season, so any game at home, we feel so confident, and that is all down to our brilliant fan base. The away following last week was unreal so please know me and the players really do appreciate all your support; we are going to need you all Saturday in what will be a hard game but one we are all looking forward to.

Tony.

PHONE SCREENSAVER

THE FACTS

• The club was founded on 23 June 2001 by the Enfield Supporters’ Trust after Trust members considered that the regime in charge of Enfield no longer had the interests of the club at heart and lacked sufficient will to bring about the return of the club to its home town, having left Southbury Road in 1999.

• In the summer of 2006 the club were transferred to Division One North of the Isthmian League. The 2006–07 season saw them finish third again, but they lost 4–2 to AFC Sudbury in the play-off semi-finals. At the end of the season Enfield were liquidated and Enfield Town chairman Paul Millington released a statement suggesting that the two clubs should merge and “return the name of Enfield to the top of the non-league world”. However, the Enfield players, officials and supporters rejected the offer and formed a brand new club named Enfield 1893. Enfield Town qualified for the play-offs again in 2009–10 after finishing fourth. However, after beating Wingate & Finchley 3–2 in the semi-finals, they lost 3–1 in the final to Concord Rangers. In 2011–12 they were runners-up in the division and went on to win the play-offs, beating Grays Athletic 3–1 on penalties (after a 2–2 draw) in the semi-finals and then defeating Needham Market 1–0 in the final, earning promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.

• This season, like us, Enfield too have entered the Fenix Trophy, so their supporters will also be going on a European Tour.

ONE TO WATCH?

Marcus Wyllie

Marcus had a prolific season for Risborough Rangers last season scoring 36 goals and helping them to 2nd position in the Spartan League. Now at Enfield, Wyllie has already netted 9 times so far this season.

RECENT HEAD TO HEAD

11th Mar 2023	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	1	Enfield	0
15th Oct 2022	Isthmian Premier League	Enfield Town	2	Lewes	4
8th Jan 2022	Isthmian Premier League	Enfield Town	1	Lewes	4
11th Sept 2021	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	4	Enfield Town	1
19th Sept 2020	Isthmian Premier League	Enfield Town	4	Lewes	1
3rd Mar 2020	Isthmian Premier League	Enfield Town	1	Lewes	1

DID YOU KNOW?

• Enfield Town were the first club in England to become fan owned.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Normally, Behind Enemy Lines is a segment in Lewes Clamour’s match previews, but as I didn’t have enough time to produce a preview this week, here’s my interview with Enfield Director Gabe Meytanis.

1. What’s your role at Enfield Town? And how long have you been involved at the club? 

I’m responsible for a little bit of everything on the media side of things at the club, in truth. I became a supporter in 2015, and have been a director of the club since 2021 but I guess I’ve been ‘involved’ for the last three years. Having written a bit on the club for the Isthmian website, and after briefly chipping in as a volunteer steward, I took the role of programme editor for the 21-22 season onwards, and I’ve been admin on our website and Insta account since then too (so have been responsible for a lot of the promo content we put out) plus have conducted post-match interviews in that time.

2. What were the expectations heading into the season, and how have you started?

Well, having parted company with Andy and the previous management team, as well as several of last season’s squad, there was always something of a rebuild on the cards – and it’s not a copout to say that expectations for this season were always likely to be tempered with that in mind. As it happens; Gavin, his management team, and some new faces have come in and have started superbly. We’re in a decent league position having played some neat football thus far, and we were agonisingly close to reaching the First Round of the Cup, so things are pretty rosy but we’re only 8 league games down and there’s a good 34 to go yet! As with most seasons, if we made the playoffs I imagine the majority of our fanbase would be delighted.

3. Like us, you made it to the 4th Qualifying Round, but for the third time in your history. How was the game?

Argh don’t get me started! It will take a while for us to fully get out of our systems but we’ve had to turn a corner and move on for our own sake. That’s the third time we’ve reached that stage of the Cup but certainly not third time lucky. Anything but… In terms of the game itself, our fans turned out in numbers and ensured the atmosphere was more akin to a home game. It was an entertaining enough spectacle and we’d played well enough to be guarding a 2-1 lead until the fourth minute of first-half injury time, though we then conceded a cheap header before absolutely collapsing after the restart. We looked a little short of ideas once we went a goal down – and then a man down (some questionable officiating didn’t help our cause…) but we were well beaten and denied a trip to Charlton live on the Beeb. Ouch.

4. Which player should Lewes watch out for?

Marcus Wyllie has been the catalyst for a lot of our success so far this campaign, which is especially pleasing given he was used far more sparingly – and in a far wider role – than most Towners felt suited him last season. He’s a tricky, nippy forward who already has 7 league goals and counting to his name this year. Meanwhile, George Sykes has come in and has shown glimpses so far of what he can do – he nicked a goal at the Pan for Aveley last season so hopefully he can repeat the trick today wearing a different shade of blue. Finally, Josh Keeya is still 19, and still coming up to full match fitness, but looks a marvellous, industrious prospect in midfield, and proved the difference in our midweek win at Kingstonian.

5. Which opposing team/player has impressed you the most so far?

Good question. Peter Adeniyi’s Carshalton were especially difficult to crack because once they went a goal up, they never looked likely to relinquish their lead and were able to dictate proceedings. Lexus Beeden looks a solid player in their defence, and Tommy Bradford is an absolute scourge when it comes to playing Town – so unsurprisingly got his customary goal. Credit to Bognor, too – particularly Jasper Mather and Lucas Pattenden – who played on the front foot away from home in sweltering conditions and nicked a deserved point.

6. Favourite Isthmian away day?

Ooh. If you’re talking away day as a whole, probably Margate or Bognor. A good number of the Town faithful always travel in numbers to those two, and make a day of it by the seaside in the build-up to the match (it helps we’ve had success there too in the recent past!) Lewes is up there too – I’ve got a few mates round this neck of the woods – and the Dripping Pan is just a splendid ground, isn’t it?

7. Predictions for the game? 

My foolish, foolish heart says we’ll steal all three points with a 3-1 win and George Sykes will net his first goal for Town. My head thinks it’ll be a 1-1 draw with Tommy Wood and Marcus Wyllie on target, and to be frank, given how much of a graveyard the Pan has been for Enfield Town since we got our first win at this level here over a decade ago, I think I’d be satisfied with that!

Thanks to Gabe for taking the time to answer my questions. If you’d like to see more content like this, then follow @lewesclamour on Twitter or Instagram for future previews, videos and match reports.

FOOD BANK COLLECTION

For today’s game, we have a table set up in the Dripping Pan, for food bank donations. If you are interested in donating, please donate any of the following items:

• Tinned Meat
• Tinned Fish
• Baked Beans
• Tinned spaghetti
• Tinned Potatoes
• Tinned Carrots

Please ask a volunteer where to donate if you are interested, and thank you for your donation.

OUR LAST GAME

To find out more, please visit: https://branchingoutadventures.co.uk/

Welcome to ‘1 on 1’, the new quiz segment in the Progcast, where 2 players will face head to head, to see which Rook would fare better in a pub quiz. Each week, 2 players will be asked 10 questions. 7 on general knowledge, and 3 on football, to see who will eventually be crowned the ‘1 on 1’ champion. Let’s get into it…

Q1: What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

Tommy: “Mercury”

Harvey: “Pluto”

Q2: Who plays Phil Mitchell in EastEnders?

Tommy: “No idea!”

Harvey: “No idea!”

Q3: Which legendary surrealist artist is famous for painting melting clocks?

Tommy: “Salvador (thanks to Money Heist)

Harvey: “Banksy”

Q4: Street artist Banksy is originally associated with which British city?

Tommy: “Manchester”

Harvey: “Bristol”

Q5: Which colour pill does Neo swallow in The Matrix?

Tommy: “Red”

Harvey: “Red”

Q6: In what US State is the city Nashville in?

Tommy: “Texas”

Harvey: “Tennesse”

Q7: In which part of your body would you find the cruciate ligament?

Tommy: “Knee”

Harvey: “Knee”

Q8: How many goals did England score at the Mens’ 2022 FIFA World Cup? 13, 15, or 17?

Tommy: “13”

Harvey: “15”

Q9: Which country won the 2004 Euros?

Tommy: “Greece”

Harvey: “France”

Q10: Which club holds the record for the most consecutive promotions in English football, climbing from the fourth to the first division in just four seasons? Swansea, Bournemouth or Blackpool?

Tommy: “Bournemouth”

Harvey: “Bournemouth”

Before we reveal the winner, a final comment was made by Harvey, to say that “I didn’t search any, so if Woody wins, he’s cheated”…

Well, I can confirm that the winner is…

TOMMY WOOD

After an incredible comeback by Harvey to make it 3-3, Tommy finished him off and knee slided to a 6-4 win. Thanks to Harvey for participating, and congratulations to Tommy for making it to the next round of ‘1 on 1’, who will he face next?

The Answers:

1. Mercury
2. Steve McFadden
3. Salvador Dali
4. Bristol
5. Red
6. Tennessee
7. Knee
8. 13
9. Greece
10. Swansea

‘NOT JUST HOT FLUSHES’ – MENOPAUSE AWARENESS AT THE PAN

World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18^th October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. 

As a feminist club, we feel it is important to be part of the discussion and therefore, to coincide with the day, we are running an awareness campaign in collaboration with Ancient + Brave, a Sussex based supplement company. 

As part of our ‘Not Just Hot Flushes’ campaign we asked our fans to help us out with two very important questions. This is how they answered: 

What do you wish your younger self had known about the menopause?

• There are so many symptoms and my menopause is unique to me 
• That it needs managing, just like any other change
• All the symptoms, there are so many, I had no clue!

·       Menopause can give you anxiety 

What do you think a supportive partner should know about the menopause? 

• It’s not a ‘one size fits all’. There are so many symptoms to the menopause 
• A person’s needs change. They might need more sleep, more protein, more of the duvet!
• How your symptoms can affect your daily life, mentally and physically 
• Menopause can lead to mood swings 

Dr. Jenna Macciochi, Head of Innovation at Ancient + Brave gave us their three top tips on navigating menopause: 

There are so many different things that will help support and nourish your body to help naturally balance symptoms caused by declining and fluctuating hormones.

Diet: It’s so important to understand how nutrition plays a key role in nourishing and balancing symptoms of menopause. Try including fatty fish twice a week for omega 3 which has a favourable impact in supporting brain chemistry especially important for those experiencing brain fog and low mood. This is also an important source of protein which is so important for maintaining healthy muscles and balancing blood sugar which can help reduce irritability and low mood.

Supplements: Taking collagen daily really can help support our bodies throughout perimenopause and menopause because of its unique whole-body health-enhancing properties. It helps support the appearance of the skin helping to mitigate some of the negative effects of declining hormones. It also reduces joint stiffness, aches and discomfort. It can also aid in slowing the breakdown of bone mass which is an important consideration during menopause as declining hormones can increase the risk for osteoporosis.

Lifestyle: Physical activity stimulates bone health, helps preserve muscle mass and plays a role in regulating hormones. As well as a healthy diet and active lifestyle, sleep is a powerful way to help manage hormonal changes.  Prioritising restorative sleep is crucial to support overall well-being. Poor quality sleep can contribute to ‘brain fog’ and can also be a key trigger of irritability, low mood, anxiety and even depression. It can also have a huge impact on the appearance and health of our skin.

Ancient + Brave will be in attendance this weekend at both our men’s and women’s home matches, supporting our amazing team from the sidelines.  

We hope that you, our fans also help us to pass on the very important message… ‘not just hot flushes’.

Charlie Dobres offers a fuller understanding and appreciation of the Lewes FC Chair who is stepping down this week

All hail Stuart Fuller! Seriously, this guy is amazing, and I can hardly believe that after 12 years at Lewes FC, his time on the board is now at an end.

Anyone who follows Stuart’s social media accounts will know that this is a BUSY person, whose business commitments have taken him all over the world and whose football passion for Lewes FC has taken him all over the country, be that following the Rooks, scouting opponents or keeping his encyclopedic knowledge of non-League football topped up.

I was a colleague of Stuart’s on the board since he got himself elected in 2011 until my own 12 year stint ended last year. He joined the Rooks125 takeover gang right at the start and his football knowledge was much needed.

Though his actual football ability, as demonstrated in a kick about at Patrick Marber’s house outside Lewes, is maybe best skipped over.

I want to tell you that, at first hand, if you think as a fan you owe Stuart a lot for all his work, you can double that, at least. When Stu first dived in, our women’s team were starting a season where they won the South East Combination Women’s Football League, dropping only two points all season.

But our men’s team were back in the Isthmian Premier League, under Steve King’s second period of employment as manager, and having a torrid time of things. His first match as a director saw the men’s team lose 4-0 at home to Hornchurch.

As Stuart said himself “The next few years saw us slowly sinking with a string of poor performances on the pitch and despite some brief glimmers of hope, until 2016 there was very little to shout about.”

Stuart dedicated himself to building the foundations for a renaissance in the men’s fortunes. He kept developing his knowledge and contacts in the men’s game and, slowly, with other board colleagues along the way, built the team into what it is today.

I won’t go into all the highs and lows of that journey but the hours, miles and efforts he put in were unseen by most, and unappreciated sometimes too. I remember he once took on the task of sending a departing board director some flowers, as a thank you, but was rather perturbed to get a message back from them saying the flowers had arrived, dead.

It seems his thoughtfulness in choosing dried flowers was not quite understood.

One of Stuart’s other self-chosen duties on the board has been to fully engage in online fan forums and, tirelessly, respond to every comment, even the most ill-informed and angry ones, because Stuart, at heart, is a peacemaker.

I sincerely hope that even those fans who, to this day, disagree with things the most vehemently will tip their hat to him and his indefatigable openness.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t had plenty of moments of feeling FFS, but Stuart is not a lid-flipper and has had his board colleagues to offload to, when needed.

One other thing you may or may not know about Stuart is that he is a DFB, Down From Bromley. This is a guy who doesn’t even live in Lewes but utterly fell in love with the town and its crazy football club. And because he travels so extensively, sits on the Isthmian League Board and talks at countless events, he is always repping Lewes FC too.

So, if you see Stu at a match, buy him a pint, though maybe not all at the same game. But, as a minimum, shake his hand, look him in the eye and say: “Thank you Stuart”.

Charlie Dobres

ON THIS DAY IN FOOTBALL HISTORY – 21st OCTOBER

GUESS THE FORMER ROOK?

Queen to Rook too

The Football Tourist continues his wanderings in Scotland, trying to find a comparable level for the Rooks.

There are few football clubs in Britain that do not take their name from the location where they play. Yes, we can argue about the proximity of Crystal Palace to Selhurst Park, West Ham to Stratford or even Everton, Forest Green and Tranmere being real places (they are) but go north of the border and you will find Rangers, Celtic and Heart of Midlothian in the Premiership who give no clue to their location in their name. And then there is Queen of the South.

Located in the market town of Dumfries, close to the English border, Queen of the South is the nickname of the club as well as the town. Dumfries got its nickname ‘Queen of the South’ from David Dunbar, a local poet, who in 1857 stood as a candidate in the general election and in his speech referred to the town as”Queen of the South”. The club also has an unusual nickname, “Doonhamers”, a version of the phrase  ‘doon hame‘, a version of “down home”. Not that many people want to move away from the town according to Rightmove, who ranked it as the happiest place to live in Scotland in 2017, perhaps because of the number of pubs, which on the mile walk from the station to Palmeston Park, home of Queen of the South, totalled 12.

The club also claim to be the only football club mentioned in the Bible (Luke 11:31 “The Queen of the South shall rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them) although the words “Bury” and “Orient” as in the Leyton variety do also appear in the texts.

The football club haven’t had a remarkable history despite their unusual names. But they still hold a number of records – Palmerston Park has the tallest floodlights in Scottish Football and the steepest terrace to get the pulses racing. They haven’t played in the top flight for nearly fifty years and were staring relegation from the Championship (step 2) in the face as they hosted Inverness Caledonian Thistle in mid-April.

Actually, they needed a miracle. Nine points adrift with just three games to play, they had to take maximum points and hope that either Dunfermline Athletic or Ayr United dropped points. To make it all even more interesting, QOTS would face those two sides in their last two games. But first they hosted play-off bound Inverness Caledonian Thistle in a game billed as the “longest names in British football” at a total of 39 characters long, which was conveniently shortened to QOTS v ICT on the match tickets.

I’m often asked where Lewes would fair north of the border. Based on the crowd watching this one on a fine April evening I’d say very well, with less than 650 in Palmerston Park, two hundred less than the average at the Pan but in terms of one the pitch, whilst the play was often wayward, you could see flashes of professional skill from both sides in a pulsating game. The home side took an early lead through Josh Todd – goals have been an issue this season and QOTS came into the game as the league’s lowest scorers, but had conceded the most. At the other end Inverness were the second top scorers and had the third meanest defence.

The visitors equalised in the 17th minute after a fantastic run and strike from Logan Chalmers and fair play to the 40 or so fans who had made the 470 mile round trip (or 13 hours each way on the train) on a Tuesday night as they celebrated wildly. However, it was the home side who regained the lead just before half time when Euan East scored, and they hung on for 50 minutes to keep their Championship place alive for at least four more days when 8th place Ayr United arrive in town.

If you are ever passing through the region the town is definitely worth an hour or two of your time. Some decent pubs, friendly locals and a football ground steeped in history.

In today’s Vox Pop, we asked Lewes fans ‘What has been your favourite Ryan Gondoh moment?’ – Here are your responses…

“It’s got to be the Youth Wing’s GonDOH! song, an outstanding adaptation. Second only to @Therealdavelamb’s incomparable ‘Hold Me Closer, Tiny ‘Keeper’’ – Ash Head

“When he gave me his Man of the match wine” – Lee Deacon

“Even with all his moments on the pitch, the fact that he’s still been around the pan and engaging with supporters every week since his injury shows what a good man he is – decent player and all” – Harvey Lock

“Agree with @HarveyLock26. What a human being both on and off the pitch.” – Neil PMc

“Gotta be those 2 goals against Bognor last season” – Leo Boyes

“Ryan Gondoh had been at the club a week maybe 2. He comes to the fancy dress Christmas do dressed as a fisherman. Went up first on the Karaoke, and hosted the rest of the night. One of favourite characters I’ve come across in and out of football.” – Nathan White

“Pissing off the Folkestone fans last season” – Chris Sallis

“Bognor away free kick” – Alex

“Whenever he pulls out The Griddy” – SkidRowOnSea

“Hitting the griddy on Bognor last season” – Perry Anderson

“Griddy Vs Bognor last season” – Archie McGonigle

“2nd goal vs Bognor. He ran to the Lewes fans & high-fived my son, shouting “yes Natty!” – Chris Roberts

RATE THE FIT BY HARVEY LOCK

In this segment of the Progcast, we welcome young Harvey Lock, who throughout the rest of this season, plans to rate each Isthmian Premier team’s home and away kit, as we all know we’ve seen some unique kits during our time…

Home

White is always classy, and the patterned sleeves and collar using the club’s traditional blue is a great look, matching with the blue shorts and socks. The sponsor actually works very well with these colours so the whole thing looks very good. 9/10

Away 

An uncommon colour, the purple away strip is simple but very effective. The colour alone gets bonus points from me, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad looking purple kit, and this is no different. Again, the pattern on the sleeves and collar add just enough to make this look excellent, and again the sponsor fits the colours perfectly. Whoever made these needs a raise. 9/10

THE LEAGUE TABLE AND FORM

ON THE ROAD TO…DULWICH HAMLET – SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER

When did we last meet Dulwich Hamlet?
It’s been a few years since we last took on Dulwich Hamlet – it was our last away game in the 2015/16 season, having already been relegated.  The Rooks lost at Champion Hill 2-1, with Dulwich scoring two goals late in the first half thanks to Nyren Clunis and Ethan Pinnock, whilst Charlie Coppola scored a late goal for the Rooks.  Earlier in the season it had been the Rooks who ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Jonte Smith, Alex Laing and James Hammond, with Danny Waldren scoring for Dulwich.

Our last six meetings against Dulwich Hamlet

W 3 D 0 L 3 GS 9 GA 9

About Champion Hill Stadium
Champion Hill ground is largely open and has mostly flat standing areas on three sides, with just a small portion (a few steps high) of terracing towards the rear. Both the East and West ends are uncovered, as well as most of the Southside, although this does have a small portion of cover and terrace located at its centre.

However, the Tommy Jover Main Stand on the other side is quite a posh looking affair, even though it has been built onto the front of an office building. This all seated stand is elevated, meaning that you have to climb a small set of stairs to enter it. Once there you are rewarded with excellent views of the pitch as there are no supporting pillars to contend with. There is a glassed area visible to the back of this covered stand that contains the Social Club. .

There’s plenty of food and drink on offer, with the club in partnership with Brick Brewery.

How to get to Champion Hill Stadium
Head north on the A23 then M23. At the end of the M23 take the A23 towards Croydon. Continue along the A23 towards Central London through Croydon and then Streatham. On reaching the junction with the South Circular A205 turn right towards Dulwich. After passing Dulwich Park on your left, turn left onto Lordship Lane (A2216) towards East Dulwich. Go through East Dulwich and go straight on when you come to a roundabout. You will pass East Dulwich station on your left. And then just past the small park on your left turn left into Sainsbury’s. The ground is located to the left of the store. There is a small car park at the ground, otherwise street parking.  You can book a parking space in Sainsbury’s in advance.

The nearest stations are East Dulwich, which is a five minute walk; or Denmark Hill; which is a ten minute stroll, or a short bus ride.

From East Dulwich station: Turn left, past the pizza shop and then Morley’s. Go through the park at the bottom of the hill and you will see the ground. For midweek games, when the gates are closed, walk halfway up the hill and turn left at the lights.

From Denmark Hill station: Turn left, this is Champion Park. You will see a bus stop opposite the Salvation Army Training College. Any bus from here passes the ground, three stops away. Or walk past the bus stop, turn right and up the slight incline on the main road. Over the lights at the top of Dog Kennel Hill, and the ground will be on your right, halfway down the hill, turning into Edgar Kail Way.

Admission at Champion Hill Stadium
Admission this season is £12 for adults, £5 for concessions (senior citizens and students), Under13s free when accompanied by a paying adult. You can buy tickets in advance here.

Fancy a beer?
The nearest pub to the ground   is the Cherry Tree, which is at the bottom of the hill, near East Dulwich Station.  Further around the corner is the East Dulwich Tavern which is also recommended.

Legals and Credits

“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.” (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162).The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.”

Lewes 2000 FC Limited. Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 03790979. Lewes 2000 FC Limited is 100% owned by Lewes Community Football Club.

Honorary President Terry Parris
Chair Stuart Fuller
Directors Priscila Aldridge, Willa Bailey, Tim Bradshaw, Ed Briggs, Stuart Fuller, Andy Gowland, Lucy Mills, John Peel, Trevor Wells
Chief Executive Officer Maggie Murphy
Club Secretary John Peel
Fan Engagement Manager Shrey Nilvarna
Operations Manager Damian Watts

Life Members
Peter Brook, Dorothy Brook RIP, Vic Blunt, Pat Dartnell, Gary Elphick, Gordon Fowlie, Peter Hiscox RIP, Billy Nixon, Derrick Parris RIP, Terry Parris, Jimmy Quinn, P. Swaysland, Steve Ibbitson, Jason Hopkinson, Steve White, Martin Elliot, Kevin Fingerneissl, Kevin Powell, David and Barbara Arnold, Roger and Cathy Feltham, Ethel Treagus, Roy Dartnell RIP, Ron Moore, Derek Southouse, Ray Smith, Ken Carter RIP

Manager Tony Russell
Assistant manager Joe Vines
First team coach Nathan White
First team physio Toni Miller
Goalkeeping coach Charlie Himbury
Match logistics Vikram Dogra
First Team Performance Analyst Henderson Russell
Under-18s Manager Jon Miller

Golden Rook Rob Read
Web Editor Stuart Fuller
Progcast Editor Stan Lahood
Club Photographer James Boyes

TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWERS

1. Norwich City wouldn’t perhaps be considered the most notable of English clubs who have played in European competitions but on this day in 1993 they did something no other English club had ever done. The Canaries beat Bayern Munich in the Olympic Stadium, then Bayern’s home ground, in the UEFA Cup. A draw in the return leg at Carrow Road saw them into the Third Round where they lost to Inter Milan.
2. Leeds United are not a big club. Don’t get me wrong, they used to be, now they’re just a circus run by puppets, watched by blinkered seals. If they ever offered me a job, I’d turn it down. I want to be the captain of a cruise liner, not the Titanic.’ Steve Evans said that in April 2013 – and yep, as you’ve guessed, he was appointed manager of Leeds United in October 2015.
3. The First Division match between Manchester United and Arsenal became the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ – or is that one of many ‘Battles of Old Trafford!’ – when a clash between Arsenal’s Nigel Winterburn and United’s Brian McClair erupted into a full-scale brawl involving 21 players, only Arsenal’s ‘keeper David Seaman watching on. As a result both clubs were charged with, and found guilty of, bringing the game into disrepute. Manchester United were docked one point and Arsenal – because they had been involved in a similar brawl the previous season against Norwich – lost two points.
4. The harm that can be done to football clubs by rich ‘saviours’ was evident on this day in 2005 when former Darlington owner George Reynolds was jailed for 3 years for tax evasion. The court heard that he was virtually penniless which was a far cry from when the one-time safe-breaker joined the club and promised Premier League football and actually delivered an amazing 25,000 capacity stadium. What followed was Darlington going out of the League and then going out of business. They reformed and currently play at the home of Darlington rugby club.
5. On this day in 2017, Lewes beat Herne Bay 8-1 but didn’t score until the 45th minute.

Guess the former Rook – MC Harvey, from So Solid Crew