Pre-season preview - week five

In the week that our 2024/25 fixtures were released, confirming a mouth-watering opening tie at home against Dulwich Hamlet on 10th August, the Blues secured another win in their latest pre-season fixture. It was just the one fixture this week, as the Blues made the trip to Brickfield Lane to face Hadley FC of the Southern League Division One Central. The last two years has seen competitive friendlies between the two sides, with little to separate them and this match was no different. The Blues did eventually come out on top, winning 3-2 with goals from Khristopher Oti from the spot, an excellent goal from Luke Deslandes and a second goal in as many games from Ogo Obi.

As well as our fixtures being confirmed this week, and Ahmet Rifat was delighted to announce his retained list with 9 members of last season's playoff squad continuing at the Maurice Rebak Stadium for 2024/25. Those players are:

1. Fergal Hale-Brown: The goalkeeper signed for the Blues in 2019/20 and is a vital member of the Blues squad, appearing 4 times last season. 

2. Rhamar Garrett-Douglas: A flying wing back who impressed immediately last season, "Rhamz" will be looking to kick on in 2024/25, after making 40 appearances in all competitions last year.

3. Ben Frempah: A rock at the heart of the Blues defence, awarded Directors' Player of the Season as a near ever-present in our side last season, having made 47 appearances in all competitions last year.

4. Billy Cracknell: Another defensive stalwart who brought stability and composure in the defence last season after he was signed in October, Billy went on to make 31 appearances for the Blues.

5. Bobby Webb: A defender who has just turned 19 years of age but whose performances last season resembled that of a seasoned professional, Bobby was a popular member of the side both on and off the pitch last season and we look forward to seeing his progress this season.

6. Loïc Hernandez: Signed upon his release from Barnet in 2021, Hernandez showed his class on a number of occasions last season, slotting in at wing back or as part of the back three.

7. Tommy Roberts: 18-year old Tommy broke into the first team from our youth set-up and continued his progress last season, particularly impressing in the London Cup against Brentford B. We look forward to see our own "star boy" develop this season.

8. Zack Newton: A tenacious winger, Newton provided opposition defences with a major headache last season with his work rate and all round ability, scoring on 7 occasions in 36 appearances across the season.

9. Luke Deslandes: Made himself known to Blues fans with a goal on debut against Concord Rangers in December, Luke showed flashes of brilliance throughout his 11 appearances last season and will be looking to further demonstrate his class in 2024/25.

On Tuesday night, the Blues are making another short trip into Hertfordshire to face Welwyn Garden City at Herns Way, managed by Blues legend Marc Weatherstone. Kick off is at 7.45pm and adult tickets are £5 (concessions and children free). The Citizens had a strong season in 2023/24, finishing 9th, 5 points off the playoffs and one place behind Saturday's opponents Hadley in the Southern Division One Central. Saturday sees our final home fixture before Dulwich Hamlet as we welcome a Watford youth XI. This will certainly prove a stern test as Ahmet Rifat completes his preparations for the season ahead.

All of our retained players and new signings are available for sponsorship - check out which players are still available to be sponsored here. Our new kits, are now available for pre-order and selling fast, ready for collection on Saturday 3rd at the Watford match. Meanwhile time is running out to get your early bird season ticket (until 31st July) to ensure you're there to see all of our exciting new recruits in action!