Vanarama's National League South Fan Preview: Dorking Wanderers

1 Aug 2019 By Sam Elliott

Alan Perry gives a supporters view of the season ahead for the club who know about promotion more than any other!

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

The brand new season is nearly upon us - what do Dorking fans got to look forward to?
The next step in our crazy adventure of course!! Our club has come from local parks leagues to playing just one division below the likes of Notts County, and Wrexham too, and we are going to make the most of it.

After 11 promotion in 20 years, the club couldn’t get another… could it?
My heart says why not but my head says let’s just enjoy the season and establish ourselves. This is a big old step up. I do think deep down most of us accept that fact.

What is going to be different this season from last?
We won’t be winning every week like last year for starters. Defences will be stronger and other teams’ strikers will be better.

What’s been the best bit of business done by Marc White over the summer?
I like the look of Jake Gallagher in midfield. They loved him at Aldershot and I think we are going to love him here just as much at Meadowbank.

Who will be your one to watch come kick-off on Saturday?
Jason Prior found 21 goals last season I would expect him to feature in the scoring charts again. But he will be a marked man as he has done in this league before of course.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Not having seen the other clubs play it’s difficult but Havant seem to have a lot of resources. Chelmsford are also in the play-offs in the National League South. Billericay everyone knows about. Bath will do well I think and Welling almost went up last season and I am sure they will be good again.

Who will be the surprise package?
Us! I don’t think many clubs will know much about us but we’ve got some good players, the most passionate manager around and we’ll be ready.

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
I was looking forward to Aldershot but they are staying up now so Dulwich Hamlet as their fans are brilliant.

And what game would you like to win more than any other?
Havant as I think they will be the champions come the end of the season.

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
None because I am very happy with all of ours. There’s no point wishing for something you can’t have. We have got a lot of experience.

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
I think we’re going to be just outside the play-off places. That would be a very good season. We just need to make sure we get some wins on the board in the first month.

Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.

PICTURE BY SIMON ROE

Where next?

Dev Sets His Sights High For BT Sport Curtain Raiser Judge us after ten games. The opening day is just the first of many matches. Let’s see where we are a few months down the line.

Now County Are The Ones Rising As BT Sport Join The Party As the previews and predictions are being written, the name Stockport County is being furiously scribbled. Jim Gannon knows what a lot of people are thinking right about now.