‘Pretty exciting’ – Billingshurst boss French can’t wait for new challenge of SCFL Premier
Billingshust FC boss Eddie French surveyed the line-up for next season’s Southern Combination Premier and declared: We will relish every game.
The village team take their place in the premier division in 2026-27 after winning promotion via the Division 1 play-offs, in which they saw off Worthing United in a semi-final and Infinity in the final, both at their Jubilee Fields HQ.
That puts them at step five and looking forward to facing the likes of Hassocks, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham YM and Roffey.
French, who has been in charge of the team since 2023, said: “We are really looking forward to the challenges ahead and will relish playing every team next season.
"The lads want to test themselves, so this gives them a great opportunity to do that.
"Getting out the SCFL Division 1 isn't easy. Every week you had to turn up as virtually all teams were capable of putting in a performance.
"We know that performance level needs to go up even more next season, but we'll enjoy the challenge and the privilige.
"There are so many good teams aleady in the premier, then add back in Hassocks and East Grinstead and its looking pretty exciting. We can't wait!”
French – who last week told how a series of magic moments had taken the team to a strong league finish and then to the play-off triumph – has again prasied his troops for the season they have just had.
"It’s difficult to single out anyone as there have been so many top performances from my players this season, and what is most pleasing is everyone has contributed at different times when needed,” he said.
"The whole squad deserve the credit. They had to show true togetherness all season and needed to be selfless when others wore the shirt, but they all understood the bigger picture and gave their all this season for the club.”