After a challenging year off the pitch, Westbury United are approaching the new season with renewed optimism.
Joint manager Ricky Hulbert spoke to White Horse News about the club’s preparations, their resilient spirit, and a call for support from the local community.
“Considering the circumstances of last season, things are actually looking really positive,” said Ricky. “We’ve managed to keep most of the squad together. The lads were magnificent last season and are incredibly loyal, not just to me and Lewis (Porter, fellow joint manager) but to the club. They’re here because they love their football and enjoy playing at the club and with their mates. It’s not about money for them. Five or six have been contacted by other clubs and offered more money but have stuck with us.”
While Westbury will continue to operate with a modest budget, significantly below many of the fellow Southern League sides they are up against, Ricky says the club’s spirit remains their biggest strength.
“We know we’ll always be punching above our weight,” he admits, “but that’s what we do best. We’ve got a Western League budget trying to compete in the Southern League so it’s a tough task. So we’ve had to scout smart and bring in hungry players who want to prove themselves. We’ve lost Bevan Cross and Charlie Wooding who have moved up to higher leagues and will be a big miss, but we believe we’ve brought in good players who will have an impact.”
Among the new faces joining the team are exciting talents Samuel Francis and Ackeem Stewart. “Samuel has looked exceptional since joining us,” said Ricky. “He’s definitely one to watch. And Ackeem very good, strong, quick. These lads want to prove themselves at the next level. So they’re very hungry. We’re very happy with those two.
“We’ve brought in Joel Manning in goal, who has got a lot of experience at the level despite being only 21 and we’ve been very impressed with him in preseason.
“And we’ve signed another young prospect in Ethan Cannings, a product of Chippenham Academy who played abroad last year and is another one to look out for. So, we’ve made some good signings; we have to operate with a small squad but I think we’ve put a squad together that can be competitive at this level.
And there’s exciting news from the club’s youth setup too, as 16-year-old Rayane Hamdia has broken into the senior squad. “We invited him for preseason and his attitude has been absolutely superb,” said Ricky. He’s really impressed us – even scoring the winner in a 1-0 friendly against Fairford – and we believe he’s got a bright future.
“It’s great to see young players breaking into the first team squad; the fans love to see it and it gives all the youth players a boost.”
Westbury’s loyal supporters – including the young fans affectionately dubbed ‘the Ultras’ – have also played a key role in lifting the club during difficult times. “They’ve been fantastic,” said Ricky. “We’ve got a lot of young supporters coming through along with the regulars who have been the backbone of the club for so long and it makes a real difference.”
This season, the club’s ambitions remain grounded: survival in a fiercely competitive league. “We’d love to challenge higher, but realistically, our aim is to stay in the league and build on what we’ve created,” continued Ricky.
“We will be huge underdogs as we are every year, but we will be trying to upset a few teams. There are a couple of new derbies to look forward to with Swindon Supermarine and Frome Town coming into the league after being relegated, so it’s going to be a good test. The league is going to be a very tough again but, as always, we will just try to do our best and see where we end up. But we are confident in the squad that we put together.”
But for Westbury United to truly thrive, Ricky believes growth off the pitch is now vital.
“We’ve progressed quickly on the pitch, but we’re still playing catch-up behind the scenes. We need more support from local businesses. Without it, we can only go so far. We’ve got the first team, reserves, youth teams, all needing investment. It’s about building something sustainable for the future.”
A new supporters’ group has been set up to help raise funds and forge stronger community ties and local businesses interested in supporting the club are encouraged to get in touch via chairman Phil Hampson or the supporters’ club.
“Everything we’ve built over the last few years has been about having the right people around us – good players, good fans and if we can tap into the business community, we can kick on,” added Ricky.
For sponsorship enquiries or to get involved with Westbury United, please contact the supporters’ club – supportersclub@westburyunited.co.uk – or the club direct.
Upcoming Town Fixtures:
Saturday 2nd August Sherbourne Twn (H) Cup 3pm
Saturday 9th August Bideford (A) Lge 3pm
Tuesday 12th August Winchester City (H) Lge 7.45pm
Monday 25th August Frome Town (H) Lge 3pm
