Southwick itching to play again - and get on with job of returning 'home'

Southwick line up before their first game in the Mid Sussex League last September / Picture: Stephen Goodger

The Wickers had to quit the Southern Combination League when problems with the lease at their Old Barn Way HQ caused the ground to be closed.

They now play in the Championship division of the Mid Sussex League and Gratwicke says he and boss Sammy Donnelly are enjoying overseeing a committed squad.

Writing in the club’s new monthly newsletter, Gratwicke said: “What a strange season of football and life!

“We could not remain within the FA National League System ... the club premises were closed by the landowner Adur District Council.

“Thankfully the Mid Sussex League accepted our application to join them and our senior side plays in the Championship division at our temporary home at Southwick Recreation Ground.

“Our first match at this level was against Ashurst Wood, the Wickers winning 2-1. The support from the community on the day was fantastic.

“We are now playing proper grass-roots football, and the Covid restrictions mean the players must change at the Recreation Ground and be involved in putting up the goal nets on matchdays.

“Sammy has assembled a quality and spirited side. There will be bumps along the road and at this moment the team are top, with the league suspended because of Covid.

“Who knows what the future holds but the aim is to return to our spiritual home Old Barn Way.”

“Let us hope this terrible virus is brought to heel sooner rather than later and normality can return in some form.”