BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Romford

We asked supporters of our BetVictor Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Romford should be sponsored by Chumbawamba, given the number of times they’ve been knocked down and got back up again. Mike Woods administers the smelling salts.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Bearing in mind our final league position, and the fact that we avoided relegation only thanks to a reprieve, you would think that good memories would be in fairly short supply, but actually there were a number of memorable games. Two top memories were the 2-1 win over Tilbury in August, when we briefly went top of the table, while the 2-0 win at Colchester United in the Essex Senior Cup was an unforgettable evening. Perhaps our best performance of the season was the 2-0 home win over Aveley, but as for my favourite moment, it's a toss-up between the 3-1 win over Witham Town at the beginning of April, when we came off the bottom of the table after eleven defeats in twelve games and reduced the gap with Witham to six points, or the following week, when we won 3-1 at AFC Sudbury. That was our first away win of the season and our first points away from home since August after a run of sixteen consecutive defeats.

2. And your worst moment?

Saturday 2nd February, when we didn't even play, was bad, as Mildenhall Town's draw with Soham Town Rangers meant our slide from top of the table to bottom place was complete. Losing 3-1 at Basildon United, on a windy afternoon in an awful game from which we really needed a point at least was another low point, as was the injury time defeat at the hands of Canvey Island. And despite a win on the final day over Felixstowe & Walton United, news that Witham Town had won at Basildon United and condemned us to one of the relegation spots was as low as it could go, despite the widespread belief - correct as it turned out - that a reprieve was in the offing.

3. How will you do this season?

Since Romford have occupied second-bottom spot in each of the last two years, it would be nice to think we could enjoy a season free from worrying about relegation, however as has been the case ever since we were promoted, the division looks stronger than ever this season so it would be wildly optimistic to predict us challenging for the play-offs, although if we could replicate our form from last August or April, then that would be possible! After two seasons of shredded nerves and fingernails chewed down to the quick, I'd bite your arm off for a mid-table finish!

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Histon, and Cambridge City are trips I'm looking forward to as The Glassworld Stadium that they share will be a new ground for me, although it's unfortunate that we have to go there in successive weeks in January (weather permitting). We have never played Histon, and haven't met Cambridge City since the previous version of Romford were in the Southern League back in the 1970's. The trip to the South Coast to play Whitehawk in the FA Trophy is another one to look forward to.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

In recent years most supporters in our division have said Bury Town, or AFC Sudbury, and I would certainly go along with that, as both of those grounds are great to visit. We have always had a warm welcome at both, and seen some memorable games over the years. Dereham Town is high on my list too and since it's difficult to separate these three, I'll call it a three-way tie.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

For a number of years it was Hornchurch, but our orbits have diverged a bit recently, so there is probably less rivalry these days. A lot of Barking and Romford fans are good friends away from the game, so there's some good natured rivalry there, except that this season The Blues have moved across to the South Central Division, and rivalry is obviously less keen when you don't play one another. I suppose Brentwood Town must be considered close rivals; the clubs were very competitive with one another when we were both in the Essex Senior League, and that has continued in the Isthmian League. The fact that we are now groundsharing at The Arena - for which we are obviously very grateful - adds a bit of spice to the relationship.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

As I've mentioned, we are groundsharing at Brentwood Town this season, so please don't go to Thurrock's old ground at Ship Lane, or to East Thurrock United!

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

Incredibly difficult to pick just one player. Over the years since the club reformed in 1992 we have been blessed with many decent players, of whom lots have been extremely loyal, despite the *ahem* meagre rewards on offer, so in some ways singling one out does them a disservice. Anyone who pulls on a Blue & Gold shirt and puts in a shift for the team will always have the gratitude of the fans.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Grays Athletic, Coggeshall Town, Aveley, Heybridge Swifts, Maldon & Tiptree

Right, you've read Mike’s thoughts, do you want to be next? If you'd like to represent your club, then please send an email to [email protected] and we shall see what we can do!