TT PREVIEW

Billy talks about the Urchins

ABOUT ME

I’ve been the Hornchurch FC cameraman, video editor and recently commentator for three and a half years. I joined the media team in 2021 and have had the privilege of filming some fantastic games – most notably the FA Trophy win in 2021 at Wembley vs Hereford. You’ll see me and the camera in the gantry next to the east stand. Although I support West Ham United, having grown up a two minute walk from Upton Park, Hornchurch is most definitely my second team… come on you Urchins!

FACTS

In 2005, the old Hornchurch FC folded whilst in the Conference South and reformed as AFC Hornchurch, rejoining in the Essex Senior League. This is our first season back in the National League South since 2013. Elsewhere, we have a good relationship with West Ham United, who manager Daryl McMahon used to play for in his youth (and strangely enough, played once for Torquay United according to Wikipedia). We have used their Rush Green training ground for training sessions and have one of their goalkeepers, Mason Terry, on loan for the rest of the season. He’s a great shot stopper and has a bright future ahead of him.

FORM

Haven’t had a win since early September, although have played a fair share of tough teams in that time. We started the season relatively well, picking up three wins and a draw in our opening seven fixtures. I don’t feel like 20th is completely reflective of our performances this season, but it’s still early days.

KEY PLAYERS

Captain Ryan Scott and holding midfielder Tom Wraight make the team tick. Scott marshals the defence well and scored double digit goals last season. He is a massive aerial threat despite not notching in the current campaign as of yet. Wraight dictates play very well and is on a majority of set pieces. If there’s any player that you can rely on to put in a colossal shift every game, it’s Wraighty. Keep an eye out for former Championship and Crystal Palace star Sean Scannell amongst our ranks – I can’t count the amount of times he’s left a defender stumbling around like Bambi on ice with his fantastic dribbling ability.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Daryl McMahon and assistant manager Steve Gritt took the reins following the surprise departure of Steve Morison in the middle of the previous campaign, who left to join Sutton United. They stabilised the club very well and kept up the momentum that Morison produced to win the Isthmian Premier League last season. McMahon likes to deploy a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 with an emphasis on overloading the right side. Our flexibility in formation makes us a tough team to predict for the opposition. Don’t be surprised to see the attacking players regularly switching positions as well with excellent fluidity.

PRE-MATCH

The burger van inside the stadium is the go-to although there’s relatively limited options if you’re not a fan of burgers or chips. HR Cafe is a five minute walk from the stadium if you have time for a sit down meal, or there’s a chippy on the main road near Bridge Avenue. Take your pick.

MATCHDAY CHAT

For Saturday home games, we’d usually get somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Soft segregation will be in operation, with the Torquay fans taking up the West side of the stadium (half of the Colin McBride stand and terraces). The club have advised to buy tickets in advance due to expected numbers. Should be a great atmosphere as it often is at The Bridge!

BEST OPPOSITION

Dorking Wanderers and Chelmsford were both tough matches but to be honest, and it may be biased, I’m yet to see a team that has completely blown me away in terms of gulf in class. We hold our own pretty well, and usually defeats are a result of us not taking enough of our chances rather than the opposition being the better side.