UPBEAT BOROUGH JOIN THE CARPET BAGGERS
PLASTIC was certainly fantastic last season in the National League South, as it was elsewhere in Non-League football.
Sutton’s title success was followed up by marvellous Maidstone, powering through the play-offs to make it a 3G double.
Add to that a treble of artificial turf in the Ryman League and you can begin to understand why Eastbourne Borough manager Tommy Widdrington saw the question coming long before it was asked.
“It’s not like it hasn’t crossed my mind,” said the Sports boss, standing next to the club’s newly-installed plastic surface as he discussed a busier-than-ever summer at Priory Lane.
“The pressure is on! They were both excellent last year but our situations are a bit different if you look at it.
“Paul (Doswell, Sutton manager) won’t mind me saying they were well backed last year. They weren’t the biggest spenders, but they were well positioned.
“Maidstone, getting back into the town after years away, had wonderful support of over 2,000 every week. That gave them a great chance – our circumstances are very different.
“I don’t think we’ll see the full benefit of the 3G, the vital extra revenue it brings in, until a year in at least. It’s suck-itand-see to an extent.
Influence
“It will give us a boost for sure. It’s a sell to the younger players, it’s already looking fantastic. The turf is down and I’m bringing potential new signings here now to see it for themselves – now it’s not gravel!”
Those who point to 3G being an advantage had a field day last term.Two up from the National League South, AFC Sudbury and Harlow promoted from Ryman North, with Worthing up from Ryman South.
Claims about the growing influence of non-grass pitches are growing. Competing and training on sleek surfaces ten months a year is seen by some as giving sides with 3G surfaces the edge.
“I’m not sure if it does,” Widdrington added. “I can see the arguments on both sides, and the fact that a large number of clubs did win promotion will always lead people to thinking it offers an advantage, but our pitch last season was like a carpet, anyway.
“I don’t think it will dramatically change the way we play. For me, it will be great if we start as well as we did for the past two seasons – and this time maintain that and give ourselves a chance.”
What does give Eastbourne a stronger chance is welcome extra investment and, with it, more funds for the manager.
The involvement of East Sussex-based ZBMC has seen the club’s playing budget increase for the first time since Widdrington arrived.
“Obviously I’m a happy man but it doesn’t put us in with the big spenders,” he adds.“We have a little bit more to spend but this investment is part of a longer-term plan for the club.
“I still want five new signings. At the moment, players have the power as clubs are chasing, but it won’t be long until the power is in my hands!”