Eastbourne Borough provide the opposition for Horsham's first 'home' match at Woodside Road after Garry Wilson agreed to bring his newly promoted side along the coast for an attractive looking friendly fixture on 22nd July. Borough secured their place in the Blue Square Premier Division, their highest ever level, courtesy of a 2-0 win at Hampton & Richmond Borough and will be sure to present the Hornets with a strong test ahead of the new season. The pre-season fixtures kick-off with a trip to Herne Bay on Saturday 19th July and that is followed by visits to Fleet town (26th July), Horley Town (29th July), East Grinstead Town (2nd August) and Croydon Athletic (5th August) before a meeting with landlords Worthing on Saturday 9th August.

The club was given a welcome boost this week as long serving midfielder Gary Charman agreed to accept the offer of a new contract that will keep him at the club until May 2009. 'Gazza' has made over 400 appearances for his home town club after making his first team debut in October 1998, scoring close on 150 goals.

John Maggs has begun strengthening his squad for the new season with the signing of 20 year old striker Liam Baitup. The young marksman hit 27 goals for Ryman League Division One (South) Eastbourne Town in the last campaign, catching the eye of several clubs, and the Hornets supremo is understandably delighted to have secured his signature. Highly rated centre half Sam Page has also committed himself to joining the club after meeting with Maggs on Monday. The 6' 4" former MK Dons youngster made a couple of appearances for the Dons' first team, scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Johnson Paints Trophy, but was released by Paul Ince following loan spells with Cambridge United and Walton & Hersham and spent much of last season with Ryman League Premier Division Hendon. Sam's younger brother Jack is also said to be considering a move to the club although the midfielder, voted Leyton Orient's youth team player of the year last season, is also interesting Welling United. The new signings are sure to bring a welcome boost to supporters following the recent departure of Tom Graves, Stuart Myall and Lewis Taylor and, with Maggs continuing negotiations with several exciting prospects, it is hoped that further announcements will follow in the coming weeks.

Over 200 people attended the Holbrook Club last night to view our plans and discuss our intentions. Generally speaking the hall was filled with those who were either completely anti HFC or those who had concerns but who asked sensible questions in order to formulate an opinion. It was true to say the biggest concern for most people was going to be the unhappy situation of parking in streets surrounding the ground. It is our belief that we have provided sufficient on-site parking and suitable contingencies for Park and Ride and off site parking, coupled with marshalling of the immediate roads to avoid any congestion. I feel many people over-estimate the number of cars that will be used for games. A breakdown of our fan base includes 25% under 16s who cannot drive. Many of our fans are local enough to walk and the balance will not be one person per car. We had over 70 written comments of which 10% were in support and the remainder had concerns but it was expected that the overwhelming majority of attendees would be those biased towards an anti HFC at Holbrook stance. It was a worthwhile exercise and although we have a fight on our hands, it is vital we stand strong and have the complete resolve to see this through."

Stuart Myall will be looking for a new club this summer after conceding that travel from London to Worthing will leave him unable to commit himself to the Hornets next season. The experienced and popular defender, dubbed Disco Stu by supporters after his goalscoring celebrations at Margate last year, lives and works in the capital and admits that travel to the South Coast town will be a struggle. Myall will be the third departure this month after Tom Graves accepted an offer to rejoin Blue Square Conference South champions Lewes this week and Lewis Taylor's switch to AFC Wimbledon. "Both Tom and Stuart have been tremendous for us," admits manager John Maggs. "Losing them both is very disappointing for me and, I'm sure, for the fans but I am currently in talks with several players who are interested in joining us and I hope to be able to make a few positive announcements in the coming weeks."

The club will be displaying plans for their new Football Ground and Club at the Holbrook Club on Monday 19th May 2008 from 6pm until 8pm. Directors and members of the club will be available to answer questions and, in a further attempt to alleviate the fears of local residents, the club distributed leaflets this evening outlining its plans and seeking to answer a number of concerns raised in a leaflet recently raised by the Holbrook Neighbourhood Action Group. Read more...

Lewis Taylor became the first of John Maggs' squad to depart for pastures new when a move to Blue Square Conference South new boys AFC Wimbledon was confirmed today. Taylor enjoyed a brief spell with the the Kingsmeadow side before joining Horsham from Whyteleafe in the summer of 2006, going on to become a firm favourite with the Hornets' supporters with his energetic displays and some spectacular goals. The midfielder's departure comes as little surprise after his refusal to sign a new contract led to speculation as to where, rather than if, he would go. Ironically, Taylor's last league goal for the Hornets, his 22nd in 94 appearances in all competitions, came in the 4-2 win against the Dons back in March leaving their manager Terry Brown to proclaim him as "one of the most talented young midfielders in non league football". Taylor leaves with the best wishes of John Maggs. "I wish him all the very best and thank him for his efforts at the club. He has been a very very good player for us."

Tom Graves is contemplating a move to Blue Square Conference football after receiving a surprise offer from Premier Division new boys Lewes. Graves, who had a spell with the Rooks prior to joining Horsham in 2003, has emerged as one of several of John Maggs' squad to interest new Lewes boss Kevin Keehan as he looks to rebuild the side that won the Conference South title this season. "Tommy's uncle is part of the new consortium at Lewes and they've apparently made him an offer to join them next season," explained John Maggs. "I would never stand in the way of any player who wants to better himself but, to be fair to Tom, I've told him that it's a massive step up from Ryman Premier to National football and it'll be hard travelling up North to play nearly ever other weekend. I'm flattered, and a bit surprised, that Lewes are interested in so many of our players but it obviously means that we're doing something right at the club." There was promising news concerning Maggs' own targets, with an experienced striker believed to be considering a 'generous offer' from the club and the promise of a decision expected by the end of next week.

As the curtain comes down on another successful season for Horsham Youth Football, the club is looking for new players to join the club for the 2008/9 campaign. We will be fielding teams at Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 level and anyone interested in playing for the Hornets is invited to contact Youth Secretary Annie Raby on 01403 732706 or 07800 922442. Click here for more details
                                                    Horsham FC is an FA Chartered Club.

Horsham supporters will have to wait another year at least before making their ever popular visit to AFC Wimbledon as the Dons join Chelmsford City in celebrating promotion to the Blue Square Conference South after victory over Staines Town yesterday. Terry Brown's side left it late to claim their play-off final win, scoring both goals in the final 10 minutes with Marc De Bolla breaking the Swans' hearts with an 84th minute free-kick after Luis Cumbers had equalised Matt Flitter's first half opener for the home side. At the bottom of the table we bid adieu to Leyton, Folkestone Invicta, East Thurrock United and Boreham Wood but there is a sense of anticipation as we prepare to face some famous non-league sides next campaign. Promoted from Division One are Dover Athletic and Dartford, respective champions of the South and North divisions, as well as play-off winners Canvey Island and Tooting & Mitcham United. A failure to receive the necessary ground grading for Conference South football means that Cambridge City are demoted alongside Sutton United, whose Gander Green Lane has been the scene of some memorable matches in the past including the U's famous FA Cup victory against Coventry City.