Why a Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig man is backing Southwick FC campaign

Last Thursday the club received a wonderful message of support from Ralf Rangnick, who played for the Wickers in 1980 during his time in the area as a young student and went on to become one of the most sought-after managers in the world, coaching German clubs Schalke 04 and last season’s Champions League semi finalists RB Leipzig among others.

He has donated £1000 to the ‘Bring Home The Wickers’ campaign. Vielen Dank , Ralf!

This follows previous backing from national football journalists Nick Szczepanik and Andy Naylor, and from Albion legend Gary Stevens, plus of course extensive coverage in the Worthing/Shoreham Herald and on Sussex Newspapers websites such as this.

Grassroots online publication twohundredpercent.net, latestbrighton magazine, BBC Sussex and Latest TV and the Albion Roar radio show/podcast have also covered the crusade to get back to Old Barn Way.

Following a meeting between Tony Iles, the proprietor of Saferide Motor Cycle Training and Tony Kybett, chairman of Southwick 1882, a joint approach has been agreed as the future of Old Barn Way is decided, both pledging to work together as partners in the community.

The thriving Wickers’ youth section just recruited its 100th player as the club demonstrates its readiness to move back to Old Barn Way to promote all-ages football, either as a standalone enterprise or in partnership with another sporting organisation. The national Football Supporters’ Association is partnering the club in negotiations with the council to this end.

On the field the Wickers made it two wins in two at the start of the Mid Sussex League season with a 1-0 victory against Roffey. Saturday sees their first away game at Reigate Priory, k.o.2pm.