Hassocks won't take league bounce-back for granted after relegation
James Westlake says Hassocks cannot taking ‘bouncing back’ for granted as they gear up for another season in the Southern Combination League.
The Robins were relegated on the final day of their first season in the Isthmian League, falling just short of what was needed to secure a second season at step four.
Westlake – confirmed as staying at the helm at the Beacon next season, with brother Lewis as his No2 – said they could look forward to having another go in the SCFL but it would be competitive.
Relecting on relegation, Westlake told us: “It was really disappointing we couldn’t get over the line and stay up.
"The players and management team put so much into winning the league last season and trying to stay in the division but unfortunately, we just felt short.
"We’ve taken some time to reflect on the season and it’s been a real learning curve for not just the players but the management team and the club.”
Asked whether there were particular games or runs he felt were key in sealing their fate, Westlake said: “The run at the back end of last year, through Christmas and into the New Year, really hurt us and was a big reason we ended up getting relegated.
"We’ve been in so many games this season, often leading at certain points, and not been able to pick up three points. There was only a handful where I’d say we were well and truly beaten.
"That’s testament to the players in terms of how hard they worked and applied themselves. We didn’t quite have the experience or final quality in games to see us pick up enough points and get over the line."
Robins chairman Pat Harding has said it's 'see you later' not 'goodbye' to the Isthmian League. Westlake warned: “We knew how hard it was to get out of the Southern Combination last season and we tried everything to make sure we stayed at step four.
"It wasn’t to be and we know need to regroup and go again next season. Going down does not mean we are going to bounce straight back and win the league.
“It won’t be easy going back into a really tough league but we look forward to working with the players and seeing what can be achieved."