“Well, the ground is somewhere where I go regularly to enjoy the football and the atmosphere with friends and family, who also attend matches. It’s a different experience to watching the higher leagues because of the fouls, pitches and situations. The football that non-league fans experience all over the country, makes it refreshing and entertaining. I also feel connected with the club because we’ve endured many high and lows but have now come out stronger. I’m glad that the club has managed to begin the process of ending the financial difficulty because it would be such a shame to lose a club like Lowestoft.”

Up next is the Official Photographer at the club, Shirley Whitlow.

“As much as I love the football, the club has provided for me a great building base to create and maintain new friendships. I believe that it is something that as a club we do very well. Not only within the club but how we welcome other teams and supporters, which is an important part of what non-league football is about. The club has opened up opportunities for me in regards to my photography, and has been very supportive throughout. They were especially helpful even when I'd just started and hadn't a clue what I was doing. Therefore, I always try to get the best shots and go to as many matches as I can hopefully to promote the club and get more people to see what they are missing.”

He also asked the same question to Terry Bullen, a strong fan of over ten years.

“Lowestoft Town is a club that will always mean a lot to me. I was a Liverpool supporter for more than 20 years, but I became disengaged with top level football, which came with it a new emphasis on money. That was when I decided to give my local side a look. This happened about ten years ago, and I was impressed with what I saw: They were such a welcoming club with welcoming supporters. That is still the case to this day and I love the football family feel that you get with the club every week. I have some great memories from being part of the club for a few years, and I’m now looking forward to getting behind the club in a new era.”

There is a real positivity around the club following a successful pre-season. We’ve seen Jamie Godbold rebuild his squad with the incorporation of many young trialists. What have been your thoughts on this period and how we’ve played?

Steven suggested, “I think we’ve played very well, when considering the calibre of opposition. We played Ipswich’s U23s, and even managed to get a good result against them. The system seems to be working well from my perspective as I’ve witnessed strong performances in this period. I’m excited about the 3-at-the-back formation we have been using so far. This is because we’ve been very exciting to watch in attacking positions, including our victories over Gorleston and Norwich United. That is what made the games very entertaining. I also enjoyed seeing many trialists perform well, as this has led to permanent transfers. It also encourages everyone that these players can perform at this level. Overall, I think it been a very positive time and has hopefully set us up for a successful season.”

Shirley was also optimistic,” Having Jamie Godbold and Andy Reynolds at the helm in itself has bought a lot of positivity to the club. Both bring with them a more calming presence, and they are more than happy to engage with supporters and bring back that feeling of community spirit. I think that bringing in younger players and trialists, with a mix of experienced players, is the way forward. From what I have seen already in pre-season, I have been very impressed with the enthusiasm, energy and commitment on the pitch. The passing between the players, keeping the ball on the ground and having efforts on goal has been very encouraging. They also look as if they are enjoying their football. I am really looking forward to this season and despite our results so far, I am optimistic for what we can achieve.”

Terry said, “It has been a great pre-season, and Godbold and Reynolds have used their vast experience and knowledge in local football and have sourced some great young players. They’ve also brought in a few experienced heads to give the side a great balance and feel. I never read too much into pre-season results or performances as it’s a time for fitness and trying out tactics and formations. However, one thing it did deliver was a great feel good factor around the club after some troubling times in recent seasons."

What can Lowestoft achieve this season on and off the pitch?

Steven believes that the club can make a vast improvement on where they finished last year. “The new players we have, along with some experienced players we’ve had for a while, seem to have worked together. I can see us getting a top half finish, which I would be very happy with. Hopefully we can also be an entertaining team to watch throughout the season. Off the pitch I think the club will do a good job of engaging with fans, and holding events. That will help not only the club but also the community. I think it should be an exciting year for the club.”

Shirley states, “If the supporters can get behind the team and show their support this can be a great morale booster for the players and management. Similarly, if the team can provide an entertaining performance, whether we win or lose, I think that supporters will also be happy. Realistically, I think that we will finish mid-table, but I would love to be proven wrong if we were to finish higher. In the light of the financial position we need to encourage more people through the gate to help secure the future of the club that we love.”

Finally, Terry would like to think that the club can move forward positively, both on and off the pitch. “If they can get the support off the pitch from sponsors, get more people coming through the gates and even work with the community, then that in turn will hopefully provide more resources and funding. As far as what the team can achieve this season; it’s a bit harder to predict with so much change going on and such a vastly rebuilt squad. It is mainly youthful and realistically it will be a tough season, but an exciting one too. I think the supporters need to have patience and be realistic in their expectations. I think an expectation of trying to retain our place at this level is a fair and realistic one, and anything over and above that would be excellent. It’s a young side and some players will respond, grow into the team and step up to the tests at this level better than others. That’s why I think our role as supporters this year is more important than ever. Encouragement and support is key, especially for the younger players. If someone makes a mistake, then the best reaction will come from that player if you get behind and encourage them with positive support. I’ve never seen a player who improves after negative words are aimed their way from the sidelines. So, we need to be mindful of that and need to get behind everyone at the club during the ups and the downs that no doubt will come along this season.”

Written by Jake Sapsford