Vanarama's National League South Fan Preview: Hemel Hempstead

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

The new season is nearly upon us - what have Hemel Hempstead fans got to look forward to?
I think this promises to be an exciting season. Sammy Moore and Jack Midson have certainly ruffled a few feathers already by allowing established players to leave but the squad they have assembled looks very good indeed. Most supporters, having got over the initial shock of seeing favourites like Jordan Parkes and Laurie Walker leave, are very excited for the forthcoming season.

The Tudors and their new management team have got people talking this summer - when is the last time you were this excited about a season?
Probably when Dean Brennan and Stuart Maynard started their second season having got us into a play-off final in their first. We signed some very decent players and the whole club felt like it was heading somewhere - and so it proved.

So what will be different this season from last?
Well obviously three of that championship winning squad have gone so there are no players left from the Brennan era now. I think Sammy and Jack will be expecting big things from the players this season and there is a definite vibe coming from them. They’ll have to get off to a decent start mind you, a run of defeats early on and you know the fans will be get twitchy!

What are you wanting to see change?
It will be great to see if the new management team keep their promise of keeping a smallish squad and encouraging the players to mix with the fans. We have lost that with something of a revolving door policy in recent years.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
I think it’s great that Jake Howells has signed as he is a local lad. Alex Wall is a major signing but we have the makings of an excellent squad all over the pitch.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
A few! Alex Wall, obviously, Jake Howells, Sam Ashford too and it’ll be great to see how Jacques “Pog” Kpohomouh and Rob Sinclair do this season, having being retained by Sammy. Both of those players have massive potential.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Billericay simply because of their spending power and they will have learned from last season. It’ll be interesting to see how Dean and Stuart do at Wealdstone and the usual bunch will be in the mix - like Dartford, Chelmsford and Bath City.

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
I loved going to East Thurrock but they’ve left us so I’d have to say Weymouth for a bit of a jolly - and it’s a ground I haven’t been to yet.

And what game would you like to win above any other?
Silly question! St Albans, our neighbours from up the road and also Wealdstone. We have history.

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
Wealdstone’s Jonathan North. An ex-Tudor, brilliant goalkeeper who always plays well against us but never fails to join in with a bit of banter with our supporters. There’s much respect for him at Hemel.

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
I’ll be disappointed if we don’t make the play-offs but so will everyone in this league. The National League South is going to be very tight this season…..let’s leave it there, shall we!

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.
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