Bromley currently sit top of League Two with just under a third of the season remaining. Should the Ravens be promoted, they could face sides such as Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City, and Bolton Wanderers.
With this in mind, we sat down with Oliver Whiteman, The Lower Tiers’ Bromley Correspondent, to talk about what supporters could expect in the closing stages of the season.
Question 1: Bromley currently sit top of League Two. How do you feel your team has performed so far this season?
“I think saying that we’ve performed very well is an obvious understatement as our achievements so far this season have now gained recognition across English football – whether that’s fans calling it a fairytale, a miracle or simply asking “Who on earth are Bromley?!
“We had a strong start, then a slight dip where we didn’t win in September, but since December 9th we’ve been nearly invincible!
“After almost two years in the EFL, for a club that is relatively small in comparison to the rest of the league to be in the position it is now is exceptional and a massive amount of credit is deserved for everyone working at the club.”
Question 2: Compared to your feelings before the season started, would you say your thoughts now are more positive or negative?
“Certainly more positive.
“Before this season a fair amount of Bromley fans, myself included, were slightly apprehensive about the prospect of second-season syndrome, and the outgoings of young talents Danny Imray and Cameron Congreve, who returned to their parent clubs, added to those concerns of not improving on a respectable eleventh that we finished in in our debut EFL season.
“Now we’re first, just three points behind surpassing last season’s total with 14 games left to play and are in a favourable position to reach the third tier at just the second time of asking. All pre-season negativity went out the window a long time ago.”
Question 3: Who would you say has been your best player so far this campaign?
“It’s very hard to pick just one player when there’s been such a plethora of standouts this season to the point where we don’t have to just rely on the goalscoring prowess of Michael Cheek.
“I’d give honourable mentions to our number nine, Omar Sowunmi and Deji Elerewe (despite him now being at Lincoln City) and super subs Nicke Kabamba and Ben Thompson.
“However, I believe that Mitch Pinnock has been Bromley’s best player this campaign where the winger has the most assists (9), most chances created (83) and second most big chances created (15) in the league this season.
“Signing him for free in the summer makes his performances that little bit more satisfying too!”
Question 4: Who has surprised you the most this season, and why?
“Tallying up just 97 minutes in his first campaign at Bromley since he arrived from Brighton Under-21’s last February, Marcus Ifill was initially brought in as a youthful understudy to the experienced Corey Whitely at right wing.
“This season however, the 22-year old has now been surprisingly converted into our first choice right back where he has been a crucial part in a very solid defence and also key going forward.
Question 5: How do you feel your team has performed in cup competitions this season?
“Defeating Championship side Ipswich Town on penalties in the Carabao Cup in front of the Sky Sports cameras was both unbelievable and historic, and also gave us the first glimmer of hope that we could achieve something extraordinary come the end of the season.
“That would be the pinnacle for cup competitions this campaign though where we would be knocked out by Wycombe Wanderers in the next round, and fail to get out of our group in the Vertu Trophy.
“We also failed to progress in the FA Cup after a disappointing home defeat to fellow League Two outfit Bristol Rovers in the first round, but on the flip side these losses have somewhat been a blessing in disguise by reducing any distractions in our pursuit of automatic promotion.
Question 6: Do you think your manager has done a good job this season, and why?
“Yet again Andy Woodman has done a sensational job as Bromley’s greatest ever manager and promotion would be the icing on a very delicious cake.
“He has built a squad that is the perfect formula to be successful in this league, whilst also creating a very tightly-knit atmosphere where players have high morale and are willing to give everything to the club.
Question 7: Have your owners supported your team enough this season?
“For sure. Yes there’s been a lack of spending money this season where we’ve had to rely on loans, free agents and Woodman’s connections, but that’s understandable after the arrival of the new and improved East Terrace.
“Recently naming it the George Wakeling Stand, the former manager and now official club ambassador, epitomises the great understanding the owners have of both the club and the community.
“Videos such as them singing along to Nicke Kabamba’s chant in a taxi and visiting several away matches this season have only added to that strong, trusting relationship with the fans which other clubs simply dream of.”
Question 8: Which position has been the most beneficial to your side this season?
“Strikers. Cheek scores goals my lord but when he doesn’t Nicke Kabamba steps up off the bench and delivers. The pair are both on double digits and have made up almost 45% of our goals this season in League Two.”
Question 9: Which position do you feel has held your team back the most this campaign?
“Again this is a difficult one due to many if not all positions playing exceptionally well. Actually, can I say that no position has held us back?
“That’s what I’m going to do.”
Question 10: What do you believe to be a realistic aspiration for your team in the closing stages of the season?
“Promotion. That’s the aim whether it was initially our goal at the start of the season or not. We’re five points clear at the top of the table and are currently on a 12 game unbeaten run with 16 matches to go.
“Since 2018/19, 24 wins has been enough for promotion to League One – Bromley have 18 so far.
“However, that doesn’t mean that Bromley won’t need some draws or extra wins, in addition to the coveted six, along the way too as this season has been one of the tighter campaigns at the top!”
