Hello, and welcome back to another instalment of 'Getting to Know', in which we take a closer look at some of our Non League clubs, and hopefully learn a little more about them. This time, we managed to speak with Frenford FC and their first-team manager, David Forbes. Before hearing what David had to say, let's take a look at how they got on last season.
Taking their place in last year's Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties (Division One South), Frenford started their campaign with a 3-0 defeat away to Burnham Ramblers. Following that, they went on a twelve match unbeaten run, scoring 30 goals to move into early contention at the top of the table. Three games from the end of the league season, Frenford hosted Basildon Town, their title rivals, and avoiding defeat would leave the league in their hands. The game finished 2-2, and they went on to win their remaining games, including a 2-0 win at Hackney Wick to pip Basildon by one point and take the league title. An amazing achievement.
In the FA Vase, they bowed out early, losing 4-1 at home to FC Clacton from the Essex Senior League.
As I mentioned earlier, I managed to talk to their first-team manager, David Forbes, as we reflect on the successes of last season, the infrastructure of the club and a little about their history. Let's hear from David....
David, firstly, congratulations on your league success last season, winning the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Division One (South). How big an achievement was this for the club and the local community?
"This was a massive achievement for the club. On and off the field everyone has worked so hard to progress the club and this is a huge stepping zone. The club has come from park football all the way to senior football. Promotion has given the club a real buzz from top and down to even the youth sides.
You now find yourselves in Step 5 in the Essex Senior League, a really competitive division. What are your thoughts on the challenge the club faces, and what are you most looking forward to?
"The Essex Senior League is the strongest I have seen it and it is going to be a real test for the side, there are some seriously big clubs in the division. We go in as underdogs and myself and the players are excited about the challenge ahead and look forward to going toe to toe with these clubs."
How has pre-season gone for you guys? Have you retained many players from last season, and how have the friendlies gone in the build up to this weekends opener at Little Oakley?
"Pre season has been tough with lots of holidays and stuff to contend with so has been hard to get into rhythm, although it has given us opportunity to look at some new faces to go with the majority of last seasons squad that we have managed to keep together."
For those that don't know much about Frenford, tell us a little on the club history, how and when they were formed, any famous players and major club achievements.
"The football section of the club was formed in 1943 and this is our 80th anniversary. From one team it has grown over the years and now, as well as the first team, we have U23s and development sides that play at level 7, we also have a 4th team and an over 45s side as well as a thriving youth section and ladies sides.
We had our most successful years at level 8 where we won the league twice plus the Essex Premier cup twice. Also, I have been lucky enough to have Dean Smith (ex Aston Villa manager) coach for us at Frenford, and also current Notts County manager Luke Williams played and coached for me at the club."
Tell us a bit about the clubs home facilities, and the capacity of the ground. Did you need to do any upgrades or refurbishments to prepare you for Step 5?
"We have been lucky enough to not have to do any major work to be promoted this season, but we are looking to progress further with new changing and bar facilities to improve the match day experience for supporters."
I see you've been drawn away in both the FA Cup and FA Vase. With the rewards that the competitions bring, how important are these matches to a club at your level?
"This will be our first time in FA Cup and a huge occasion for the club. Being drawn away to a big club like East Thurrock will be tough but one that we are relishing. Financially for the club the FA Cup and FA Vase runs are important and would give the club a huge boost."
David, thank you so much for your time, and all the best for the coming season.
Frenford kick-off their campaign with an away trip to Little Oakley on Saturday (29th July) and host tough opposition in their first home match, as they face Woodford Town the following Tuesday. They then head to East Thurrock United next Saturday for their debut in the FA Cup.