Vanarama's National League South Fan Preview: Hampton & RB

1 Aug 2019 By Sam Elliott

Hampton fan Adam Barker puts his neck on the line as the weekend can’t come soon enough as football finally returns

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

The new campaign is nearly upon us - what have Hampton fans got to look forward to?
The squad has almost completely been changed from last season, with the odd returning player. The side assembled appears to be young and hungry so it will be interesting to see how they go.

Gary McCann has had a year at he helm - so what will be different this season from last?
Gary came in halfway through the close season last year. He has now had a season to assess the National League South, having not managed at this level before last year. However for the second summer in a row major changes have happened, this time a change in chairman. A reduced budget will prove challenging for Gary, however with the signings so far fans are cautiously optimistic.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
The return of Dean Inman to club is the standout signing. A centre-back that has proven himself at this level and the one above. Also a favourite with the fans having first played for the club in the U18 team over ten years before moving on.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
James Ewington dipped his toe into Step 2 last season with St Albans. Although that spell wasn’t a fruitful one, 39 goals last season at Step 4 for Walton Casuals shows he has an eye for goal. If he can replicate that form two levels up this season then he could prove to be an exciting signing.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Havant have recruited well and with Doswell coming in they have a manager who has done it all before. I’d also expect Chelmsford, Billericay & Bath City to be right up there.

What ground are you most looking forward to heading to?
Dorking Wanderers. It’s always nice to visit a new ground.

And what game would you like to take three points from more than another other?
Wealdstone, being the only other team from the old county of Middlesex. It’s always nice to win the local ones.

If you could snatch one opposition player, who would it be?
Billericay striker Jake Robinson. He had shown himself to be a clinical striker at this level. He was also very useful on Football Manager circa 04-05!

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
Another tough summer for Gary with an almost total rebuild of the squad. However with the players signed a mid-table finish is well within our capabilities. 12th

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.

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.