'The possibilities are immense' for Broadbridge Heath at new home

Broadbridge Heath's returning captain Tom Bold (centre). Picture by Steve Robards

Last season the Bears finished sixth, marking the ninth year in ten that they have improved on their position from the previous season. With this in mind Chapman wishes to keep up this record.

He said: “That the target this year. We are looking at fifth, fourth, third, second or who knows.

“We would also like a run in the FA Vase. Two years ago when we were one of the last Sussex sides to get knocked out.

“We also have the FA Cup to look forward when we will be the first Step 5 side from Sussex to have their cup tie covered live by the BBC as we take on Gravesend’s Punjab United.

“As we enter a new era in our own ground the possibilities are immense. The next couple of years will be hard work but very exciting.”

Heath moved into The Countryside Stadium this summer and will officially open their new stadium against Loxwood on August 6 (7.45pm).

Horsham's excellent pre-season form 'irrelevant' going into new season

This coupled with an impressive pre-season has given cause for optimism. Chapman added: “All our friendlies have produced good performances by the team, with some of the younger players showing they will have a big part to play in the coming season.

“Playing at places like Corinthian and Maidstone United has been really enjoyable, and beating Isthmian League Chipstead 5-2 was encouraging to say the least. We are always looking for quality players who want to help take the club forward and we are looking forward to putting the finishing touches to pre-season in the next week.”

Chapman also stressed there are no ‘crucial players’ in the team, preferring to focus on the strength of the squad as a unit.

He said: “If we had only one crucial player and he gets injured in the first game, we’d be stuffed.

“It is important to have the experience of players like Martyn Flack, Jamie Taylor and Lee Carney as they have been there and done it at a higher level.

“George Cousins got 15 goals last year and the return of Max Howell from abroad and skipper Tom Bold from injury is fantastic.

“I’m sure that all our squad will make crucial contributions this year.”