One of my local clubs – Sittingbourne FC.

Now Sittingbourne are a club that both last year and this year have been fighting for promtoiom from Isthmian South East Division, having narrowly missed out last season after being knocked out in the play-offs by Three Bridges, who incidentently would go on to lose to Chichester City in the final.

Now this season has very much gone the same way so far for Sittingbourne, they are currently sitting in 2nd place behind Ramsgate who themselves are fighting to get out of the league after they too missed out last season.

It is still early days but the battle does seem to now be very much a head-to-head for the title and the only automatic promotion spot between these two very much in-form teams.

It is therefore very interesting to note the real reason behind this article…Sittingbourne alongside only dropping 9 points from 25 games in the league they have also been on what has been a whirlwind of a run in the FA trophy, of which I shall breakdown for you now, buckle up its been quite the ride so far!

What a run!

The club have already defeated numerous teams above their own league standings and is a true testament to the overall cohesion and team spirit which Manager Ryan Maxwell has managed to build in his 2 years so far at the club. Something that was also recognised by the club hierachy by handing him him a 2.5 year contract extension back in December 2024, a deal well earnt both myself and many others would say!

Now not only does this FA Trophy run highlight the togetherness of the team in which Maxwell has built, it also highlights the genuine footballing ability of the squad. The team has managed to juggle a cup run and promotion form, both of which on their own are no easy thing to do.

So I posed some questions to Ryan Maxwell in regards to the season so far along with some around this incredible FA trophy run to date, here is what he had to say…

Q) How has the season felt so far for you and the team?

So far so good. It can always be better.

I think we’re pretty much where we hoped to be, where we thought we’d be. Obviously, I’ve
had a couple of postponements recently, so the league table may look a little bit false. But,
you know, we’re right up at the top, fighting for the top spot. We’ve scored the most goals, I think we’re the best defence potentially as well, so things are going extremely well at both ends. But as I say, it can always be better. Tremendous run on the trophy so far, you know.
So, yeah, I think we’re pretty pleased about it, yeah.

Q) You have gone on not only a great run in the league but also now into the 5th round of the FA trophy, a monster of a tie away to Southend. Firstly, how proud of the players are you for what they have already achieved?

Immensely proud, I must say. I really emphasise that. I am immensely proud of them. I think I’m incredibly happy for them too, because they’re a tremendous group of people. I do mean that. They are great, great lads, and they deserve every bit of publicity and praise
that they’re getting. So, immensely proud and incredibly pleased for them all, and do what
they deserve it.

Certainly. I don’t go anywhere to make up the numbers. If you were telling me we’re playing a league side, I’d still believe we can go there and win. So, listen, we know we’re more than an underdog. There’s three divisions between us and full-time as well to cope with. So, obviously, they’re going to be more prepared and physically maybe a little bit more
prepared as well. But I’m lucky that the lads I have are athletic, and I’m very studious. That
gap, I can assure you, won’t be as big as what the papers would suggest that it’ll be.
I am confident of certainly giving them a very good game.

Q) Some online have already written you off against Southend – does that motivate you more and what is your message to the players beforehand?

Personally, it doesn’t overly motivate me more, but I’m aware we’re the underdog anyway. I don’t know what the comments are, and I couldn’t care. But I would understand them, because, as I say, where there’s a few leagues between us and the full-time status, obviously, is a big, big advantage.

So, of course, people will write you off, but you have to enjoy that. As we always say, every puncher’s got a chance, and we certainly pack a punch.

Q) It seems you will be taking quite a good number of fans away on the trip to Essex, how much does that mean to you personally that the fans are flocking to the game in big numbers, does it put any extra pressure on you? 

Oh, no, it’s the complete opposite. I feel very humbled by it, because it’s a sign of what we’ve done here, isn’t it? It’s a reflection of what we’ve done here in the two years we’ve been here, and to bring people to that game in their numbers, which it seems like they’re selling tickets every day still. I’m quite honoured by it, to be the manager of this club, and everyone involved here is deserving of that. I’ve got a great relationship with the fans, as you know, and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve got this tie. I’m proud of the fact that we’re showing that the support is here, and they’re accommodating their numbers, and as I say, tickets are still being bought. I’m very proud of that.

——————————————————————————————

Thanks to Ryan for taking some time out to answer those questions.

Now I genuinely don’t think the club have received enough credit for the success they have already received, there was an increase in exposure and coverage for them when they knocked out Salisbury however not the amount I feel they warranted receiving. The club have now knocked out 3 higher ranked opposition and who is to say that number 4 isnt just around the corner?

Many have mocked the club when the draw was made to say that the run is now over and offering commiserations to them which I think is 1) Very sad and 2) Very presumptious.

As I mentioned to Ryan earlier in the article, the club have already sold many tickets and so will be heavily supported on the day. Supported to the tune of at least 750 fans, an incredible number and a true testament to the community spirit in which the team and this run has managed to strike up!

Lets hear from some of those fans now shall we…

Melanie Naylor – A Sittingbourne Fan for 41 years.

Q) How has the cup run been for yourself as a fan of the club?

The cup run is something we literally dream of as suppporters of a non league team. I feel so privaleged to be witnessing my team challenging for promotion and in the latter stages of the fa trophy . It’s been an amazing season already. The cup run has caused so much joy and excitement and we have gained a few new fans as well as a result who I hope will stick around beyond these games. To have knocked out teams in higher leagues than us has been amazing but also shows what a super team we have under Ryan Maxwell.

Q) What has been the most special moment so far on the run?

It’s hard to pull out a single moment as every minute has just been incredible but I guess when pushed I would have to say in our game against Chichester we didn’t really come out the traps first half and found ourselves trailing 1-0 at half time, second half we played to our capabilities and got an equaliser and if not for the keeper we would have gone on to score a few more . The game ended up going to pens which is always a bit of fun for a neutral but when it involves your team that’s another matter. But hand on heart in all honesty I truly believed that with each pen kick they were all going in and when that final one hit the back of the net it was absolute scenes that was special. The team all ran over and celebrated with us and that I know will live with me for a very long time.

Q) Southend are up next…what are your thoughts on the day and what is your score prediction?

Am absolutely buzzing for February 1st when we get to travel to roots Hall. Bourne have sold near on 600 tickets so far so we are going to have quite a following getting behind the boys. I know we will be the underdogs but what a special day its going to be. To be playing at a ground that not long ago was a league side and to even be in this stage of the cup is literally an incredible achievement. I will soak in the build up leading up to the game the excitement and of course the belief that we can go and cause an upset. If there’s one thing football fans love to do it’s dream especially at our level of football and it would be an absolute dream to go there and get a result. But I truly feel we are capable of getting a result. I’m going 2-1 to the Bourne . Catch them early doors with a goal they will equalise and in the last 10 mins we will grab a winner.

Q) Lastly…do you think that this will be the year you gain promotion?

We deserve promotion this year we really do to have missed out last year was gutting and took a long time to get over but credit to maxi for wanting to stay with us and give it another go , to finish the amazing journey that he started here . I think we will get to live our dream and gain promotion and of course I’m hoping we do it automatically but there are some good teams up there also battling with us so will have to wait and see how it all pans out. This team have been superb all season. Played the beautiful game at its absolute best with passion and togetherness . Taking pride in the shirt they pull on and that means the total world to us fans. Whatever happens in the best few weeks I’ve never been more proud to be a brickie!

Roy Tappenden – A fan for 26 years (last year Supporter Newcomer of the year – due to his commitment and not missing a game for the past few seasons)

Q) How special had this cup run been so far?

The cup run has been a dream as its the furthest the club has progressed in the competition in its 140 year history. Knocking out higher league opponents on several occasions just shows that on our day we can compete and beat anyone as the the team is very strong in depth.

Q) What has been your favourite moment to date?

Beating Dover away for the second successive time after previously knocking them out of the FA Cup away on my birthday just over a month beforehand.

Q) An incredible amount of Sittingbourne fans are attending the game, over 600 – what do you think that says about the potential of the clubs growth?

The amount of supporters that we are taking to Southend is just incredible, it shows just how much Sittingbourne has grown off the pitch since last season. We have been pushing for better home attendances and we had a Woodstock attendance record on Boxing Day of 826 – then the following home game against Salisbury in the FA Trophy which was another bumper crowd of 706. So seeing the level of support that the club is getting right now is such an amazing feeling and the fact that hundreds of Brickies are travelling to Southend says that the club is massive!

Q) Finally…what is your prediction for the game?

I’m always positive minded supporting The Brickies and I do feel that we can produce a mammoth giant killing against Southend – so I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Sittingbourne.

---

I am a massive lover of a cup upset and although Sittingbourne defeating Southend in the next round would qualify for this, It was also not surprise me in the slightest. The club know who they are and what they want to be and I for one am a really big fan of that.

I will certainly be watching out for the result come 1st February, I wish the best of luck to all of the team, management and fans. Go and enjoy the day out, sing loud and proud and keep that cup march going on!

#UpTheBrickies #MaxwellsRedandBlackArmy

Until next time!