We are ready to hit ground running
Horsham are set to swing back into Isthmian League action at the earliest opportunity – but boss Dom Di Paola is warning: Let’s not look too far ahead.
The Hornets hope to welcome another big crowd to the Camping World Community Stadium when they host Haringey on Saturday, December 12. It’s a week before many step three clubs will restart and, for the Hornets, it will follow three behind-closed-doors practice games.
DiPaolasayshe, hisstaffandplayers can’t wait to get back to competitive football – but admits it is impossibletoguesswhethertherest of the season will stay free of further lockdowns and restrictions.
Horshamsitninthinthetablebut
Di Paola thinks the emphasis this season should be on enjoying whatfootball is possible.
He said: “It feels like it’s been a long month and it’ll be nice to get back. Let’s just hope we don’t need another lockdown later on, because the number of games we have to get through is going to be tough.
“I thinkwejusthavetotrytoenjoy being back playing or watching football. Thismightbeayearnottoworry too much about league positions.
“We’vebeensellingoutourSaturday home games and hopefully we’ll see that continue. I think people just want to get out the house and enjoy football while they can.
“WenowhavesixgamesfromNovembertorearrangeandit’snotreally winter yet, so there’s the chanceof more call-offs. You can’t plan ahead too much, you just have to take what comes.”
Di Paola expects to have only one player– strikerEddieD’Sane– outinjuredbythetimetheleagueresumes.
But the Hornets have lost forwardCharlieCoppola– hehasjoined Whitehawk without having played a game, whichthebosssaidwasdisappointing.
And winger Arron Hopkinson is set to gooutonloanhavingplayedlittle football formorethansixmonths.
Di Paola said: “We’d have like to slim numbers down a little but if we’re not going down to one game a week yet, we can’t.”