In episode 14 of the Opposition View Series we caught up with Blackfield & Langley supporter Claire Sinclair. 

Name – Claire Sinclair
Age – 41
How long have you supported Blackfield & Langley? – 20 years
Any other clubs? – Only SPL (Hearts) and EPL (Everton) – there won’t be another Non League team.
First ever Blackfield & Langley game? – I think it was an away at a Hampshire League game at Brading on the Isle of Wight.

1. How do you feel Blackfield & Langley performed last season?

Blackfield & Langley absolutely knocked all expectations out of the park, both on and off the pitch last season. Exceeded everyone’s expectations, even our own.

2. We’re in the off season at the moment, how do you feel preparations are going ahead of the new season?

I am somewhat removed this season, having just stepped down from the Chair position, but we’ve retained several key players, made some shrewd signings and played some good pre-season football so we seem to be prepared for the new challenge.

3. Who would you say has been your stand out performer and someone Truro fans should be concerned about next season.

I’d be silly to give secrets away to previously unknown opposition!

4. What difficulties, if any our your club facing ahead of the new season?

Increasing spectator numbers, like most other clubs, finances and ground grading. Those who know our ground will know that we have a constant uphill battle to to get the necessary ground improvements completed by the imposed deadlines.

5. How would you rate your teams chances in the league this season?

We’ll be saying the same as we did last season, hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves and avoid any sort of a relegation battle. But look what happened last season, so people shouldn’t write us off too soon. Have you seen BetVictor’s pre-season odds?!.

6. What would you say is the best feature about your ground and how would you rate it compared to others in the league?

Our ground is very basic but we have worked hard to get it to where it is – be kind when you visit! The Gang Warily complex as a whole is a pretty decent facility and we’re on the edge of the New Forest and right by The Solent – the area is pretty interesting to visit.

7. Are you looking forward to a trip to Treyew Road?

As a Club, we’re so excited to visit new grounds – every Saturday on the road feels like a cup game! This one is quite special though as it’s an area we haven’t frequented too often. Me personally, I haven’t been to Truro so will definitely be making a weekend of it.

8. Which team will cause Blackfield & Langley the most problems this year in your opinion? 

Being new to the League, that’s quite difficult to answer – there will be a few ‘local’ battles so obviously bragging rights will be key to several. We battled hard alongside Yate all last season so I would expect that to continue.

9. How do you think Truro will fare this season?

Truro must be expected to fare pretty well with what should be a massive home advantage, much will depend on if they travel well however I guess?

10. Which club are you most looking forward to visiting and why?

Truro, obviously, as it’s an unknown and a weekender (unless it gets rescheduled for a midweek…). For us I think visiting several ‘local’ clubs who have generally been higher up the ranks previously, this time on a par with them, will be exciting.

A big thank you to Claire for taking the time to answer our questions. If you want to answer some questions on your club, please feel free to contact us either below or on our social media pages.