Having confirmed their wish to carry on , the management team have started to look ahead to planing for next season. With the majority of the development work at the Shooting Field ground completed, and the club on a sound financial footing, focus has now began to turn again to affairs on the pitch. All Senior teams; the first team, reserves and u21s had a mixed season in 2017/18 in terms of results, however there was still a feeling that progress had been made at the club.

First team manager Gerry Murphy, who will again manage the first team next season alongside Paul Etteridge and Paul Hawkins, was in an upbeat and optimistic mood when we spoke yesterday "2017/18 was not without its challenges and was another learning curve for everybody, however it has helped cement a much clearer view in the coaching staffs eyes about what is required to get the club out of this league, which is ultimately where we all want to go. In order to achieve this we need committed & hard working players to join Steyning Town CFC next season to bolster the squad. Over the last 2 seasons, everyone here has worked tirelessly in making this a club you will want to play for. We have a beautiful pitch, refurbished changing rooms, new kitchen, food after training, excellent kit & equipment, a physio, a supportive and proactive committee and a great social atmosphere. For a club at this level the players are treated really well, and we keep looking at new ways to improve how we do things. It's now down to me and my backroom staff to make it happen on the pitch. We used 56 different players for 1st team fixtures alone last season and this must stop."

Murphy, who has previously worked at Fulham and Chelsea, as well as high up the non league ladder, went on to add" We need to have a group of players that will work for each other, be consistently available for matches and progress at up to two sessions a week training. We believe we can make this happen. We know lots of players around that are looking for the highest bidder to come in for them, however we are primarily focussed on creating the right ethos and attitude in the squad so we have talented and committed players who genuinely want to be at the club. We are making the club a place players want to be at for all the right reasons, and ensuring they can play with a smile on their face, and then enjoy all the benefits of playing here. We are talking already to a number of players who will undoubtedly improve the sqaud."

Reserve team and U21 manager Jason Pepperell has been in his current role for the past two years, and has a key role in helping and supporting the first team, and ensuring the development of players at the club so there is a steady stream of players ready for first team action should they be required. He has confirmed he will continue to be assisted by Grant Ansbro next season, with Gareth Dutton added to the coaching team. He told us " Since I came to the club 2 years ago, we’ve made great strides in making the Reserves more competitive whilst also developing our Youth players through the structure we have. Last season saw the biggest progression yet with 19 players who played being under 23 years of age. This is a massive step change from previous seasons for the club as this continually shows our youth players that there are opportunities to senior football at the club if they want it. This development also saw our U21’s get stronger , with a group of these players playing regularly for both teams. With majority of them playing their first year in senior football, I’m really excited to see the guys come back, with a few additions, and progress further. The facilities really are second to none in this division and its a great place for players to come and enjoy their football and to feel they are really part of a friendly, yet competitive club".

The club is really excited about next season and work already under way to ensure the club is well prepared and ready to hit the ground running next season. Interested players can contact first team manager Gerry Murphy on 07502 484645 and pre season training starts on Tuesday 19th June at the club, and every Tuesday and Thursday after that.