TT INTERVIEW

Cris talks about the Crusaders

ABOUT ME

My name is Cris Bowden. I am a music loving, sports nut, father of two. I have been supporting Hungerford Town for three years after feeling despondent after following Oxford United for 20 plus years. The moment I walked through the gates at Bulpit Lane I felt at home. The people are great and it’s a real family club from top to bottom.

FORM

We had a tough start to the season and it has probably taken longer than we thought to transition from the NLS to the Southern Premier League. We have built a new team that is starting to gel. We were consistently putting in good halves but not managing an entire 90 minutes. The last few games we have started to do that and the signs for the remainder of the season are really positive.

HIGHLIGHTS

The highlight of this season has to be the absolute annihilation away at our local rivals Chippenham Town in the last round of the FA Cup. 1-4 really flattered them and with some more clinical finishing and a better referee we could easily have won by six or seven.

MATCH REPORT: First League Away win at Swindon Supermarine #Pitchero https://t.co/6yk87gKfc3 pic.twitter.com/ZDGRSir9X8
— Hungerford Town FC (@HungerfordTown) September 27, 2023

KEY PLAYERS

It is difficult to say who our critical players are, as we are built as a team and not individuals. Each player on their day can produce special moments. For me personally, I would say Ryan Clarke (our goalkeeper) is one of the most important as he is a solid and experienced keeper. After using ten goalkeepers for numerous different reasons last year, it is nice to have that solid and reliable number one to build the team around.

THE MANAGER/LINE-UP

Danny Robinson has been our manager for the entire time I have been watching Hungerford Town FC. Previously he won the FA Vase with Thatcham Town. In relation to formations? We are flexible and regularly change to counter the perceived threats from other teams. In relation to the lineup – I can’t give you that information as only Danny knows and that will be kept under wraps till Saturday. We need to keep you all guessing.

AWAY FOLLOWING

Considering the population of Hungerford is just over 6000, the following is pretty good. Last season at home we averaged over 430. considering that average gate our away following is phenomenal and I will be disappointed if we don’t have around 150. That might not sound much to some clubs but that’s a third of our home gate and 7% of the entire population of the town. That’s not bad for a pub team from Berkshire!

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Our team strengths are our unity and team spirit. We try to play good football. Weaknesses? You will have to work that one out!

FACTS ABOUT THE CLUB

In 1974 Don Revie brought his England team to Bulpit Lane for a training session. That team had the likes of Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking, Ray Clemence, and Mick Channon. That day is still talked about by some of the fanbase who sneaked into watch.