Horsham supporters will join tens of thousands of their counterparts around the country tomorrow in anticipation of the announcement of the draw for the 2008/9 FA Cup competition. A record breaking 762 clubs have entered this season's competition and, with their appetite whetted by last season's historic run, the Hornets' fans will be hoping that their side is given a kind draw that might get them off to a winning start and, who knows, the chance to surpass the magnificent achievements that took them to a 2nd round replay at Swansea City's superb Liberty Stadium.
Details of the draw for the FA Cup and FA Trophy will be posted here on Tuesday evening.

Horsham Football Club were saddened to learn that former midfielder Rob Hughes has been left in a coma after being viciously assaulted while on holiday in Crete. The 27 year old, who was set to join Bromley from Sutton United, was attacked outside a Malia nightclub by a group of English thugs and required lifesaving surgery last Tuesday after suffering several fractures to the head. Rob was on holiday with friends and had only been at the popular beach resort for two days when the unprovoked attack took place. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rob, his family and friends at this dreadful time.       
Click here to read the full article (Bromley Times)

The Horsham player merry-go-round continued this week with the announcement that Dwain Clarke has joined league rivals Carshalton Athletic. The former Staines man signed for the Hornets in March, making 8 appearances in the yellow and green jersey, and will be remembered for his spectacular goals against AFC Wimbledon and Heybridge Swifts. 

Horsham programme editor Adam Hammond is to be congratulated after the club's matchday publication was voted 4th best in the 14th Soccer Club Swap Shop annual Non-League Programme Awards. Only Chelmsford City prevented Adam from claiming the Ryman League bragging rights but he can be proud of his achievement after finishing above such clubs as Football League bound Aldershot Town, AFC Wimbledon and even former Division One side Oxford United. Adam received a certificate of recognition for his efforts.

Horsham's travelling support will see a 'new' look to the side this coming season after the club's decision to revert to the Lincoln green away kit. The colours were last worn in last season's Brighton Charity Cup semi-final and is a popular choice amongst supporters whose indifference towards last year's pale blue kit was evident in poor replica sales. Both the home and away shirts are available to pre-order at a cost of £25 for sizes 26/28, 30/32, 34/36 and £35 for 36/38, 38/40, 42/44 and 46/48. Orders will be placed on Monday 30th June to guarantee arrival by the start of the season and anyone wishing to pre-order may do so via email to horshamfc@yahoo.co.uk. Pre-payment not necessary at this stage.

John Maggs' search for an assistant was finally ended today with the announcement that Mark Hawthorne is set to become the manager's 'Number Two' for the forthcoming season. Horsham's Player of the Year in 2005/6, Hawthorne has an impressive CV having had spells in the Football League with Crystal Palace and Torquay United as well as winning a Ryman League championship medal with Carshalton Athletic under former Spurs and England player Graham Roberts. "I'm delighted with this appointment. Mark has a lot of experience and is well respected by the players," explained Maggs who also confirmed that Rob Frankland and Ian Payne will remain on the coaching staff. Frankland, meanwhile, will face a 2 game touchline ban at the start of the new season after his sending off at Ashford Town in April.

Simon Austin has confirmed that he is considering his options after deciding not to re-sign for the Hornets next season. The former Maidstone United striker revealed his sadness at leaving the club after scoring 13 goals and helping the Hornets reach the 2nd round of the FA Cup for the first time. “When I signed for Horsham I was sharing lifts with Rooky and Tommy (Warrilow) but, after they left, the travelling became more difficult and the extra journey to Worthing next season means it’s not practical for me to carry on. I would like to stress that this is the only reason that I have come to this decision as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and would like to thank everyone at Horsham for making me and my family welcome. John Maggs has been very supportive to me, as has Geoff Brittain, the chairman and the board and the fans have been absolutely superb. The FA Cup run has left me with some great memories and playing at Swansea was a huge highlight for me.” "Simon leaves on very good terms," said Maggs. "I can understand his reasons for going and I wish him all the best for the future." Supporters might not have to wait long before seeing ‘Austo’ in action again after the 27 year old revealed that he is in talks with another Ryman Premier Division side about a possible move.

Even a car crash couldn’t dampen the spirits of a buoyant John Maggs as he gave his thoughts on his summer signings. The Hornets’ boss came a cropper during the week, almost writing his car off, but was a happy man after Sam Page finally signed a one year contract with the club on Thursday. “The close season has gone extremely well so far and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to recruit players who have got a blend of youth and experience. I’m excited about Sam joining us. He’s a big, confident lad. He walked in to my office with a swagger and you could see he’s got a bit about him. Alex (Haddow) has got Conference experience and Mark Knee will give us a bit of nous up front along with the other new boy, Liam Baitup. I was disappointed to lose Lewis Taylor but signing Lee Carey from Hastings means that we still have a strong midfield and I’m looking forward to seeing them all in a Horsham jersey. On paper, I actually feel that we’re a lot stronger than last year and the feedback I’m getting from fans is that, like me, they’re really looking forward to the start of the season. The new lads are full of enthusiasm and have all been impressed by the training facilities at the Holbrook Club but we need to ensure that we put it all together on the pitch.”

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2008/9 campaign, costing from just £25 !! Children under 16* will pay £25, senior citizens* and students* £75 and full adult tickets will cost £150, each offering a substantial saving over the matchday admission costs and will allow the holder to attend all Ryman League matches and pre-season friendly matches (but not Cup fixtures for which a charge will be made). Season Ticket holders will be allowed free access into the Grandstand, full membership of The Club, as well as an entitlement  to participate in the AGM. With the Hornets groundsharing at Worthing next season, the Club has also added an option to take advantage of discounted coach travel to 'home games' for an additional £60.  *on 16th August 2008
Download an application form here

Horsham's heroic FA Cup displays against Swansea City were acknowledged at the Ryman League's annual dinner this weekend with the club picking up the Premier Division's Team Performance of the Year award. League secretary Nick Robinson presented Hornets chairman Frank King with the award, adding how much everyone had enjoyed watching the club's exploits on Sky TV.

John Maggs was full of praise for Geoff Brittain after Horsham's long serving physio announced his retirement this week. "Geoff has been a tremendous servant to this club. He's always been there for me and has had the utter respect of everyone at Horsham Football Club. It's difficult to believe that he's 74 years of age. He's in great condition and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the years and wish him all the best for a well earned retirement." Brittain, who was presented with an award by chairman Frank King in recognition of reaching 1000 career games last season, will be succeeded by 26 year old Andi Marfleet, a Level 3 Fitness and Gym Instructor who has previously worked with Brighton & Hove Albion's reserve and youth sides. "I'd like to welcome Andi to the club," said Maggs earlier today. "Brighton released him a week or so back and I'm very pleased that he has agreed to join the set up here. He works at a local Leisure Centre so the move suits both parties very well."

Alex Haddow wants Horsham to help realise his aim of a return to Conference football after finalising his move from Bognor Regis Town tonight. The 26 year old was delighted to have put pen to paper to join a club whose reputation for good football was a major influence in making the switch along the South coast. The talented midfielder, who was part of the Salisbury City side that won promotion to the Conference Premier in 2007, was impressed with the Hornets' performances against Swansea City in last season's  FA Cup and believes that they've got what it takes to progress to non-league football's top tier. "I'm delighted to have him on board," admitted John Maggs. "He's a quality player, with a proven pedigree, and his enthusiasm is obvious. He's an experienced player who's played at the top level of non-league football and he firmly believes that he can help Horsham to reach the same heights." Maggs also hinted that Haddow's arrival might not be the last new face seen in the squad after revealing that Heybridge Swifts striker Reggie Savage has been invited to attend pre-season training. "There's nothing concrete at the moment. I've asked him down to training, he's agreed, and we may well see him in some of our pre-season games", said Maggs.

When Alan Mansfield steps out at Woodside Road next season it will be in the colours of Worthing, not Horsham, after the popular goalkeeper made the switch to the Hornets' new landlords this week. The former Three Bridges stopper made 62 appearances for the club after making his debut against Carshalton Athletic in September 2006 and was Maggs' first choice 'keeper last season until a controversial dismissal saw him lose his place to Paul Seuke, missing out on the FA Cup ties against Swansea City. Under 18 goalkeeper Tom Baxter, who made his full debut in the Brighton Charity Cup Final success against East Preston, has been invited to train with the first team next season and will become back up to Seuke who signed a new one year contract last month.

The Hornets will be back in their home town, just 12 weeks after saying an emotional farewell to their Queen Street ground, after John Maggs announced his side will be taking on Horsham YMCA in a pre-season friendly. The fixture will give supporters their first glimpse of Maggs' new recruits while enabling the boss to cast his eye over several trialists. "I hope it'll give the fans a taster of what's to come next season and encourage them to stick with us, follow us down to Worthing and give the team their support," said Maggs.
The game will take place at Gorings Mead on Thursday 17th July, kick-off 7.30pm.

Alex Haddow is set to become the latest of John Maggs' impressive new signings after agreeing to join the club this week. The 26 year old can play on the left or right of midfield and comes with a proven pedigree, having begun his career at Slough Town where he polled 80000 votes to win the BBC Player of the Round for helping the Berkshire side defeat Walsall in the FA Cup. He was also part of the Salisbury City side that won promotion to the Football Conference and spent a season in non-league football's highest tier before a brief spell at Eastleigh saw him move to Bognor Regis Town. Alex is expected to finalise the move this Thursday.

John Maggs has also confirmed that Lee Farrell has agreed to stay at the club and will join the squad for pre-season training on 3rd July.

John Maggs' attempts to entice Duncan Jupp to the club as player/coach have failed after the former Fulham and Wimbledon defender announced his intentions to remain at current club Bognor Regis Town. The 33 year old has been offered a coaching role by the cash strapped Rocks, leaving Maggs to turn his attentions towards a player he describes as having Football League experience as well as having coached at non-league level. Meanwhile, the Hornets supremo has revealed that he has invited 4 of last season's U18s to train with the first team, as well as inviting all of last season's available first teamers back for pre-season training next month.

Horsham have added a visit to Lewes to their pre-season schedule, it was announced today. The match comes just 2 days after John Maggs' side are due to take on Eastbourne Borough, another of the Conference Premier new boys, and will provide supporters with an opportunity to see how the squad is shaping up ahead of the new season. The game will take place at the Dripping Pan on Thursday, 24th July.

John Maggs continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season with the signing of the experienced Mark Knee from Bognor Regis Town and exciting Hastings United midfielder Lee Carey (left). Carey, who celebrates his 21st birthday this week,  had a brief spell at Tonbridge Angels after being released by Brighton & Hove Albion before moving on to Bognor Regis Town and then to the Pilot Field where he scored 10 goals in 48 appearances last season, including a terrific free-kick against the Hornets in last season's Queen Street encounter. The versatile Knee is no stranger to Horsham's new 'home' after making over 400 appearances for Worthing before joining Bognor for the 2007/8 season.  We welcome both players to the club and wish them a long and successful career with the Hornets. Meanwhile, supporters will be pleased to hear that Nigel Brake's rumoured switch to Lewes has yet to materialise due to an impending knee operation. "Nigel needs an operation this summer so (Lewes manager) Kevin Keehan will need to take a look at him after that before making a decision," admits Maggs. "But, at the moment, I can confirm that Nigel hasn't signed for Lewes and neither has Matt Geard or Danny Davis."

Loyal supporter David Hempstead is the latest winner of a £600 holiday voucher, or a 2 week holiday for 2, after his name was pulled out in May's Holiday Club draw. If you want to stand a chance of winning yourself a holiday, and support the club at the same time, see a club official or email John Newell for an application form.

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