The Sussex Community Shield will see the Sussex Transport Senior Cup winners Horsham, face Steyning Town Community, the Premier Sports Southern Combination Football League champions.

Horsham vs. Steyning Town Community
Sussex Community Shield in aid of the NSPCC
Date: Wednesday 31 July 2024
Kick-off: 7:30pm 
Venue: Sussex County FA HQ, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

It’s been something of a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season for Steyning Town Community, with the resignation of manager, Kevin Green seeing general manager and former first team manager, Gerry Murphy return to dugout.

“It’s been a little bit strange that’s for sure,” said Murphy, “I only stepped away from the role of manager when my wife passed away in September 2021, simply because I didn’t really have the heart for it.

“Kevin then did a great job, getting the club promoted, but such is football, Kevin handed in his resignation, and the board of directors turned to me and asked if I would be interested in coming back into the role, to which I said yes, provided the backroom staff remained in post.

“We’ve got a good team behind the scenes and the players to match, so we’re in a good position for the season ahead.”

For Murphy, he’s under no illusions that a tough season awaits, with the hope being that the momentum the side picked up from last season is able to be carried into the new campaign.

“I’ve no doubt that it’s going to be tough,” said Murphy, “the squad as it stands is split down the middle in terms of those who’ve played at this level and those who haven’t.

“But the club has given us a generous budget this season and have really supported us to help enable us to have the season we all want.”

Coming off a successful season, for Murphy he’s clear that his approach will be continuity and looking to continue to build on the strong foundations his predecessor put in place.

“I’ve been speaking to the squad and assuring them that there won’t be too many changes from what Kevin’s done, and just letting them know we’ll be maintaining what made us so successful last season.

“I’m pleased with the group, and it’s still a young squad and one that I’m excited to get to work with.”

Pre-season is now well underway for Murphy’s side, and so far it’s been a positive one for the Barrowmen.

“It’s been so far so good,” he said, “of course, pre-season isn’t about the results, it’s about the performances and learning more about the side, but at the same time, it is good to be picking up some good results along the way.

“The players are getting used to different systems and something of a different approach, but again it’s not a case of us ripping everything up and starting again, because there’s no need to do any of that, because the players are so well adjusted to the strong ways of playing that Kevin put in place.”

Regarding targets for the new season, Murphy wastes no time in setting out the ambitious goals he and his staff have for the campaign.

“Well, we know we want to win the trophy, win the league and go as far as we can in the cup, but realistically we know that play-offs is the target, because we know this squad is more than capable of coming through causing those teams a lot of problems.”

On the subject of causing bigger teams’ problems, just what kind of test is Murphy expecting from Dom Di Paola's Horsham in the Sussex Community Shield?

“It’s going to be a tough match that’s for sure,” said Murphy, “the game comes in the thick of a few friendly fixtures we’ve got lined up, so player availability will be something we’ll have to deal with closer to the time.

“Our FA Cup game is also coming up around that time, so keeping the boys fit for all the fixtures will also be a priority.

“But this is a game we want to win, and it’ll be a great way of seeing where this squad is at and how they’re all working together, so we’re looking forward to the occasion that’s for sure!”

Entry prices for the final are as follows (cash and card accepted):

£10.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£3.00 Child (16 and under)
Official Match Day Programme will be available online
BUY TICKETS

For further details about the Sussex Community Shield please contact:

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com