With pre-season preparations well underway, we caught up with Jarvis Brook FC captain George Holman to reflect on the club’s first-ever season in senior football, discuss ambitions for the campaign ahead, and hear why he believes the future at JBFC has never looked brighter.
From the importance of keeping the squad together to the pathway for the club’s young players, George shared his thoughts ahead of the new season.
What are your reflections on last season?
Last year… where do I start? It was a very up-and-down season. We started it so well, which, in hindsight, probably gave us a bit of false hope, as we soon had a reality check. Then, of course, losing Jacob, one of the main reasons we are where we are today, meant it was always going to be an uphill battle. But we battled on and secured a top-half finish, which isn’t to be sniffed at in your first season.
What’s the ambition for this season?
We really want to kick on and build from what we did last year. We drew too many matches last season, and if we can turn those draws into wins, we’ll be right up there.
While new signings are exciting, it’s great to see so many from last season staying with us. How important is that core group of JBFC players?
It’s huge, as it’s what the club thrives on, but I can’t say I’m surprised. Most of the lads have been together now for at least six years, and even longer for some. The new players who came in last year, it felt like they’d been here for ages, and I’m sure that’ll be the case with the new signings this season.
What do you love most about the club?
Everyone is there for each other, through the good times and the bad.
Are there any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
We played Worthing at home in the Sussex Cup last year, so hopefully we can get another big team in that competition again!
What would your message be to all our young players coming through the age groups at the club?
You’re at the right place. So many of the first-team players have played for Jarvis Brook since the age of six—myself, Fred, Jake, Ashton and Alfie—so there’s a real pathway there.
There’s a new leadership group this season. What’s it been like working with them?
They’ve been top. They all bring something different to the group, so there’s a really good balance. The main thing is that everyone is buying into it.
Finally, how has pre-season training been?
Let’s be honest, no one really enjoys pre-season, but it’s been good. We’re all looking forward to the season starting now.
There is a genuine sense of optimism around Jarvis Brook FC heading into the new campaign. With a settled squad, exciting new additions and a strong culture that continues to shine through, George and the players are determined to build on last season’s historic first year in senior football.
The countdown is almost over, and the squad can’t wait to get back out in front of the JBFC faithful. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Tester & Jones Sportsground for what promises to be another exciting season.
