Oli Deed on tentative promotion hopes for the Bricks

Hadley FC take on Biggleswade — Caption: Hadley take on Biggleswade – Credit – Hadley FC/Chris Forster

August is always a time of hope for supporters at every level of the footballing pyramid, and for Hadley supporters, it was no different. The club entered its third season in the Southern League Division One Central and, following two years of solid mid-table finishes, there is a shared sense of optimism amongst players, management team, and supporters.

That optimism is fuelled by the retention of key players from last season and a series of performances from January through to April that helped the Bricks escape the relegation fight and briefly flirt with a play-off push.

Some players have moved on during the close season, and the club will feel the loss of key defenders Germaine Dua and Jay Rolfe, but they have been replaced and a group of very talented forwards has been left largely intact.

This is a credit to the management team, who have created an environment that aids the retention of players, despite the cash being thrown around by some clubs at this level.

In the past two seasons, the Bricks have got off to a very slow start, which has thwarted any tilt at the top. Whisper it quietly but this time around, things look to be a little different. Yes, the season opened with a frustrating 2-1 defeat away at Basildon in the FA Cup. However, a 5-0 win at home to Barton Rovers, and a creditable 2-2 draw away at Hertford Town have seen the Bricks collect four points in their opening two league matches.

Last season, the first five league matches were lost, and the first league win came in early October. The Bricks only had nine points heading into the New Year, a tally which could be matched by the start of September.

However, that is not to be complacent, as the league is as competitive as it has ever been. Relegated Berkhamsted are one of the favourites for the title and have won their opening two matches of the season, as have newly promoted Real Bedford. The latter are owned by Peter McCormack, a bitcoin podcaster who has managed to attract millions of pounds of investment from the Winklevoss brothers, who allegedly have a net worth of over $5billion – a tad more than Hadley chairman Steve Gray is said to be worth!

It will take a lot to stop the Pirates from making it back-to-back promotions, and Hadley supporters are very much looking forward to our games against them. The likes of Flackwell Heath and Beaconsfield Town, also new entrants into the league, will also be very competitive.

It is too early to be making predictions and, given the size of the Hadley playing budget relative to others, we would be doing very well to repeat the mid-table finishes of the past two seasons. However, it is hard not to get swept up in the optimism of the early season and dream of a play-off finish. With a capable group of players and an experienced and talented management team, it feels possible. Third time lucky? Yes, please.

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