Vanarama's National League South Fan Preview: Hungerford Town

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

The new season is nearly upon us - what have Hungerford fans got to look forward to?
Another season in this division for a start! A youngish team who will play a good style of football.

Every season you defy the odds - can you again? Has manager Ian Herring made some good, exciting signings?
Yes, of course we can. We like defying the odds. In the second half of last season we finished in the top ten on form. Ian, or Spud as we call him, has signed a few players with more to come before the start of the season. Plus the loan deals that we usually take advantage of.

For the first time ever two Hungerford players have stepped up into professional football. Are the club starting to gain more respect and recognition now throughout football?
The moves have been great for all involved. It shows that if you put in the effort and the performances are there, the rewards can be great. Now it has happened you can bet clubs of a higher note will be looking at us amongst other clubs at our level in the future.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the close season?
We have a new chairman and vice chairman who are pulling the club in the right direction. They are helping us to have more stability. Player wise, we have experienced James Constable, pictured, who certainly knows where the goal is plus some exciting youngsters.

Who will be your one to watch come August 3?
For me personally my one to watch is Zidan Akers. Who needs Messi when we have Zidan!

Who do you think are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
I’m expecting big seasons from Maidstone United and Havant & Waterlooville. Billericay could be up there challenging as could a whole host of others, like Hemel.

But who will be this season’s surprise package?
Hopefully us! Sometimes one of the new teams who have just gained promotion do well.

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
A few! Maidstone, Dorking and Tonbridge as I never been to those grounds before. And of course, Weymouth for a long weekend.

And what game would you like to win more than any other?
Any against our local rivals, or teams who think they have a right to beat us. At the end of the day a win is a win!

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
Ricky Modeste who is at Billericay. He played well against us. Otherwise, and I know we haven’t played against him, but Ronaldo would do at a push!

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
The usual answer is anywhere outside the relegation places but I’d like us to finish as high up the table as possible - just so we can have some nails left at the end of the season.

Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.