Fisher FC currently play in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier (SCEFL Premier) which is step 5 in the English National League system. Based in Bermondsey, South-East London, Fisher have a growing reputation as one of the best non-league experiences in London.
A Steady Start
The word I’d use to describe Fisher’s start is ‘steady’, what’s been your assessment so far?
“We started the season really well, with the 5-0 win over Rusthall which showed the level we need to play at, at step 5. Then we had a really tough run of games, with Sheppey, Chatham and Glebe, who in my opinion are the best teams in the league. So we’ve had to play all three of them first and we lost by one goal in each, we actually did really well, and I would say it’s a steady start and it’s a start that I’ve actually planned for so we’re on course to do what we want to do this season.”
You’ve found it difficult away from home at the start of this campaign, do you think there’s a reason behind this? Or has it just been a case of tricky fixtures?
“We play on [a] 3g [pitch] and every time we go away, we’re on grass, we’ve got a team full of youngsters, around 21, 22 years old and their generation is all used to 3g. If you look at the home form, we’re really good there but when we go away, we find it tough to get a grip of the game. The away form was always going to dip, and I knew that. We tried to fix that by doing training sessions and pre-season on grass just to make sure that we can compete.”
At home you’ve faired far better, and having been to a few games now, there’s a great atmosphere at Fisher, something I’ve not experienced before at a non-league club. With five of the six fixtures this month being at home, how important is it for you to make that home advantage count?
“Our fans are really good, home and away they follow us and from the boys and me we appreciate every supporter we get on a Saturday.
“When we play at home, three points has to be the aim. We know how good we are at home and it’s up to us to make that count, we believe if we win our home games this season, we’ll be on for a really good season.”
Fresh off a 1-0 victory over Punjab United, it could have been three or four on the day, but I think what impressed me most was how accomplished defensively the side looked with Punjab only creating one or two chances. What were your thoughts on Saturday?
“We’ve always been good defensively; I’m always going to give credit to the back four. We’re always working on shape and we’re seeing against the big boys in the league, who are going and winning 5-1 against others, we’re only losing by a single goal. Which is credit to my coaching staff, Michael, John, Dom and Luke who are putting that extra work in training to make sure that we’re really strong at the back.”
Every time He’s On The Ball, You’re Off Your Seat
I think it’d be crazy not to mention Courtney Swaby, the fans have certainly taken to him, is he a recent addition or has he been with Fisher a while?
“Courtney started with us in the second game of the season. We got Courtney from a division below us, he was at Lewisham Borough, I’ve been watching him for about two years now. We got a chance to get him in this year and I couldn’t say no, since we’ve brought him in, he’s got three or four goals and five assists already.”
“Every time Courtney’s on the ball you’re already off your seat because you know something’s going to happen. For me it’s figuring out how do we keep him at the club, because there’s going to be a lot of people coming in for him soon, he’s such a talent.”
Wednesday sees a tough test away at Erith Town. I see you recently played them in the cup and lost 1-0, does playing them so recently help give you a better idea of what to expect in this league encounter?
“In the cup game we played, we didn’t use any first team players. Most of them were actually trialists and fringe players that night. Again, credit to the squad we’ve got at Fisher, we gave them a good game with a fringe squad and only lost by one goal. Tomorrow I’m feeling confident we’re going to go there and get the three points with the full first team squad.”
Premier League Opposition
Next Tuesday sees you face Brentford in a cup match, what competition is this and which Brentford side are you facing?
“We’re going to be facing Brentford B team, the B team has a couple of international players in and under 21/23 players, I think the combined value of that squad is about £5million. So they’re bringing a strong side and we’ve got to be on our game. It’s not every day you get to play a Premiership side, it’s going to be a good night for all of us, we just have to go and enjoy the occasion.”
Are you expecting a bigger attendance? The attendance is pretty high for a non-league side averaging around 200 at home.
“I believe we should be getting around 500, it’s the first time we’re playing against a professional team, I think a lot of the boys are going to get some of their friends and family over which will boost the numbers for sure.”
Finally, what are the goals for Fisher this season?
“I don’t like putting pressure on the boys, if we can finish above where we did last season then we’ve had a good season, we’re working with no budget playing against players that are on £200 – £500 per week, every single week and my boys don’t play for money; they play for the badge.”
“They know where we need to be at the end of the season and that’s top 10 in the league, they’ve got their own target they believe they can be in the top five and who am I to say no to it.”
