Dorking Wandering
The Dorking Wanderers FC Fans Forum
Probably not going to be the hottest topic on the forum, but it looks like a date has been set for the home game against Lingfield
10th Dec 2024 at Meadowbank
IF (big if cause it could be the B team) we win that game, then we would play AWAY at Farnham Town in the next round (date tbc)
COYW!
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
Farnham away would be a great game.
Been following their progress as my brother in law played up top for them last season scoring 22 goals. Hugo the owner has invested heavily in the ground, team and social media side of things. They’ll be a step 2 team in no time
I remember going there during lockdown to watch Dorking 'B' when Farnham were step 6. They were the only really serious club in the division and with their ground in such a fab location off the High Street (a bit like Dorking) I thought the potential was there. Hugo arriving was a godsend and gives them the opportunity to really capitalise and get up the leagues.
Step 3 is almost nailed on. Whether they then push on for step 2 is debatable - will their crowds grow sufficiently for them to ever be sustainable at step 2 (their ground is quite tight and 3 sided)?
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
Speaking to my bro in law when he was there, he said Hugo is wanting to emulate what Dorking have done. He’s young and a multi millionaire so the funds are there and he’s been ruthless with the squad when he got promoted this year.
Crowd wise, aren’t they getting just shy of 700/800, so with Farnham being a big catchment area, they could easily pull in over a 1000 as they progress .
Their last 3 home attendances were 889, 724, 629
Their average for the season is just over 500 per home game
For step 4 that is very healthy (much better than Merstham or Leatherhead for example)
They do need to keep growing their support though
One thing they are doing that Dorking didn't is that they do the ground improvements for their step the year BEFORE they go up, so they don't have the mad panic of the March deadline
The one thing I would say though if they want to emulate Dorking is don't rush it. Take 2 or 3 years per step. Consolidate first for a year or two. The club needs to grow home AND away support numbers.
No point being in National League South and having 30 fans at many away games, like we did in our first NLS season 19/20
Good players want to play where there is decent support, where fans sing their name at games, not where the atmosphere is like a funeral
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
@dorking-eagle Yes I like what they're doing and have a lot of time for them - but - big difference between DWFC and Farnham is they have money - lots of it - and are not afraid to spend it, on players wages, player signings and of course the ground.
Big potential tho - town is a decent size, and the catchment is big too. I'd imagine they'll pinch some fans from the Shots too, in time.