Lewes FC unveil another innovative way for fans to get involved in team

The Dripping Pan outfit have been ahead of the rest in treating their men’s and women’s teams with total equality. And allowing supporters to be part-owners is another project that sets them apart from the masses.

Now they are involving fans in being the eyes and ears of the local football scene and checking out whether there are players around who they should try to add to their squad.

Chairman Stuart Fuller and manager Hugo Langton have invited supporters to volunteer for ‘scouting’ missions, and the initial response has been favourable.

Langton led a Zoom session for half-a-dozen or so interested fans explaining how they could help.

Fuller told supporters: “Many fans watch other teams play when not following Lewes, whether that may be other Isthmian League clubs, local Sussex clubs or football further afield.

“We would love to hear your thoughts on the players that stand out, strange free-kick and corner routines or simple thoughts on the teams involved.”

The chairman added: “Hugo is an A-licence UEFA coach and has his own scouting business and can tell fans exactly what to look out for.

“Clearly this is not aimed at those of our fans who watch Brighton in the Premier Lague when they’re not watching us. But if someone, for example, is going to see Peacehaven play East Preston they may pick up useful information. We plan more Zoom sessions for other interested fans soon.”

Don't be ready too soon

Lewes are keen not to get their squad fit and ready for a new Isthmian premier division campaign too soon.

Although the players will, in line with lockdown restrictions, soon be starting to get together to step up training, chairman Stuart Fuller said they had to bear in mind how long it could take for the season to be given the go-ahead to start. He told us: “If restrictions don’t allow us to play competitively for four or five months, there’s a danger in doing everything too soon then not having league games to play.

“The coaches will be easing the players back into it training-wise and responding all the time to any guidance we get on when matches may start.”

Fuller said it was early days in terms of knowing how the squad would look, but he was confident many of last season’s team would still be at the Dripping Pan.

He added: “There’ll be a big focus on devloping our under-18s and giving them first-team opportunities. That’s a big priority for us.”