Survival is Common’s first goal

The Commoners will begin their 2011/12 Sussex County Football League Division Two season at Southwick on Saturday with a new young side.

Common manager Linch said: “I think realistically, looking where we finished last year, the number one priority is to make sure we stay in county two football. It’s about getting 10 wins, 30 points as soon as possible.”

A number of their leading players have moved on over the summer, including key strikers Casey Ham, Lewis Hole and Steve Morris, and influential midfielder Ryan Alexander.

Their departures have, however, opened the door for a clutch of young players to make their mark at County League level with a handful of experienced performers remaining on board to provide a guiding hand.

“If we finish in the same position as we did last season (13th), you could argue, with the new players that we will be playing, we’ve had a very good season,” continued Linch.

Of those youngsters, forward Jamie Crone showed plenty of promise on his elevation to the front side at the back end of last term, while Jerome Smith and 16-year-old Charlie Bachellier are also ones to watch.

About to embark on his sixth season in charge, Linch continued: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but the atmosphere and team morale I think is excellent. Everyone’s working hard and working well together.”

The full article will appear in tomorrow’s Bexhill Observer.