Alfold hope facilities will prove a big pull as they step up to County League

The Dunsfold Road club recently underwent a £67,000 improvement on their facilities and with their pitch an already well-complimented surface, the club hope they can survive at a higher level.

Despite finishing midtable in Division 1 of the West Susex League this season, Alfold are one of six new clubs along with Cowfold, AFC Roffey, Montpelier Villa, AFC Vardeanians and Upper Beeding to join Division 3 of the County League.

All intermediate clubs were invited to apply to join at the start of the season subject to ground grading ratification.

After their recent changing room and clubhouse upgrades - thanks to grants from the Football Foundation, Alfold were accepted with flying colours.

A rare two-division jump means that they will need to strengthen personnel, but Millar believes the club should have no problem attracting the bit of extra quality they need.

He said: “We are under no illusions that it is going to be difficult. It’s going to be hard, but we are up for the challenge.

“If we were going into it thinking we were going to be relegated we probably wouldn’t.

“We spoke to all the players before the application went in and most said they wanted to play at the best level they could and to go for it.

“At the moment we have a very young side and need to add a bit of experience, it’s going to be hard, we are under no illusions,but we want to survive.

“There will be some bad days, very bad days, but there will be good days as well.

“I know we have not finished as high as others and some clubs are not that happy about it, but we are doing what is right for our club and we want to play county football.”

After a year out from football, former Pulborough and Loxwood Reserve manager Jody Healy has joined the Alfold management set-up and with his links from running the Weald School football team.

Millar continued: “Everyone always wants more and better players and we have struggled with injuries and availabilities this season. I have used 36 players which is quite a lot and had eight different goalkeepers which is not really good enough.

“We are looking to add to our squad and I know we have to strengthen. I have chased Jody for quite a while and got him down to come and have a look and four days later he said he would come along and join us and help me.

“I am quite easy going so I am happy for him to be involved as much as he wants. He comes with good contacts and knows people from the school and Loxwood.

“I know now we have the facilities and county football that people will want to come and join us. I know our pitch is as good as anything around for a fact. Before, people would come down and see a nice pitch, but it was at a lower standard than they wanted to play. Now hopefully that won’t be the case.”

The club is looking for a first team coach and general coaches for the coming season, contact Tom Millar on 07745134613 [email protected]

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