Football Season Guide

The first year of the Ziya Eren era was rather underwhelming for the Broadfield Stadium faithful as the side finished in a lowly 19th place in League Two. The Turkish businessman was clearly underwhelmed too and having sacked head coach Dermot Drummy before the end of the season, he made the brave decision to appoint former Australian international winger Harry Kewell in his first senior managerial role this summer. Reality for both manager and club soon hit home when striker James Collins asked to leave the club for personal reasons. Whilst the Red Devils have received a significant undisclosed fee for his services from League Two rivals Luton Town, his 20 league goals last season probably saved the club from relegation. Kewell has re-invested some of that money in striker Thomas Verheydt who has joined from Dutch second tier side MVV Masstricht. There has also been plenty of pre-season excitement amongst fans having seen the lightning pace of striker Panutche Camara, a summer signing from non-league Dulwich Hamlet. Dwindling attendances have been a cause for concern for some time in this part of West Sussex but it has at least dampened expectations and Kewell will be pleased to have retained the services of several influential players who are likely to form the spine of the team. Midfielder, Jimmy Smith, was almost as important as the departed Collins and he will be integral to their fortunes this season. Defender Mark Connelly and wingers Dean Cox and Enzio Boldewijn will play their parts again whilst the return of midfielder Dannie Bulman from AFC Wimbledon is seen as a positive move. Everyone involved at the club has plenty to prove this season, from Eren right at the top to new boss Kewell, and they will probably be relieved if they can keep their heads above water and avoid a relegation battle again this season.