New Season, New Blog.

Greetings! Welcome to the first of what will hopefully be a regular and interesting set of blogs, based on the trials and tribulations of following Horsham FC in the Istmian League Premier Division. I also hope to make an insight into all aspects across the Non-League Pyramid.

First of all, a little about myself. I'm Peter, AKA Pedro and I've been watching Horsham regularly for just over two years now, and I'm currently in my third year as a season ticket holder. I also follow Newcastle United, however I've only seen them live once.

Well then, why write a blog on Non-League? I would like to share my experience with those that want to read about it! With Non-League day fast approaching us on the 4th September, I think it would be great to get a non-league blog out there.

Non-League Day is a fantastic opportunity for fans of Premier League clubs, who won't be seeing their top flight teams due to International Call ups, to see their local sides and see some 'Grass Roots Football'. There are a few clubs that are offering fans with season tickets to another club (excluding the opposition) half price entry. I personally applaud the idea. The more people we get through the turnstiles at our local town teams the better.

It's the same old story. There is far too much money amongst the big wigs of the Premier League. So much so that the gap from Non-League and League 2 inclusive is now so huge, we may never again see a repeat of the feats accomplished by the likes of Fulham, Wigan and Wimbledon. AFC Wimbledon possibly being the exception.

The question is where does this leave our national game? With the influx of foreign players gracing the Premier League, more and more English players are getting squeezed out the side. I certainly believe that a 'cap' on the amount of foreign players in your starting XI should be set to at least 6. There aren't many non-British players in Step 7 of the football pymadid, and there is a lot of quality there too. Just imagine the amount of talent we can bring through to the big time with the resources we have now.

On a slightly different note, Chris Smalling is a prime example of a player that's come through the Non-League youth system. Nurtured by Maidstone United and sold to Fulham for £10,000 and subsequently sold on to Manchester United for upwards of £10m. A sickening fate for a fellow homeless club in the same league.

Is it any wonder we're seeing clubs folding, 'volunteering' to drop down leagues and refruse reprieves?

Anyway, my point is this, Football as a fabulous game in this fabulous country of ours, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to see some good quality football. So please, take part in a Non-League day event near you. Details can easily be found here: Non-League Day 2010

Thanks for reading, I do hope that I can get a much more positive blog written up very soon, and one that focusses more on the fortunes of the mighty HFC!