Former Charlton midfield favourite looking to beat drop with Phoenix Sports

Tucked away in Barnehurst, non-league football club Phoenix Sports FC is marking its 90th anniversary this year. But with the club engulfed in a battle against relegation, it is a little early for anyone to be celebrating.

Competing in the Isthmian South East League, the eighth tier of English football, Phoenix have a long history in non-league football. However, for much of this season, they have been fighting to stay afloat. Last weekend, for the first time since August, the club climbed out of the relegation zone, a significant milestone in what has been a tricky campaign.

A disastrous start saw Phoenix bottom of the league after 12 games, earning just one point from a possible 36. But a mid-season takeover brought new management, fresh investment, and an overhauled squad, sparking hope of survival.

Now, with just eight games remaining, Phoenix have found form at the perfect time. They have collected 10 points from the last 15 available, including crucial wins over Erith Town and Herne Bay, to give themselves a real shot at avoiding the drop.

This Saturday’s home clash against Ashford United holds extra significance as it coincides with National Non-League Day. With no Premier League or Championship fixtures scheduled, Phoenix are hoping for a bumper crowd in another crucial fixture in their battle to avoid the drop.

One key figure in the club’s revival is Bradley Pritchard, a former Charlton Athletic midfielder who played over 100 games for the Addicks and was part of their promotion-winning squad to the Championship in 2012. Now the club’s first-team coach as well as a mainstay in the Phoenix midfield, Pritchard is determined to help guide the club to safety.

“When we arrived, I think realistically, to be in with a chance of survival at this stage of the season is all that we could really have hoped for,” said Pritchard.

“Rebuilding a squad mid-season is always a challenge, but we’ve got a team now that’s fighting together. Now that we’re here we are here and it’s in our own hands I think it will be a different pressure but one the whole club needs to relish.

“We need lots of support in all of our home fixtures, starting against Ashford on Saturday, because when we’ve had that we’ve got some great results.”

Pritchard, who played against the likes of Kieran Trippier, Jermaine Jenas and Riyad Mahrez in a Charlton shirt, is now enjoying passing on his knowledge on the training pitch to the young Phoenix squad.

“Darren Anslow, our manager, has put together a really good group, and it’s been great to work with them,” added Pritchard. “There have been challenges, and there will be more, but if we can stay up, this club can really push on.”

The club’s new chairman, Tony Crowder, a local businessman who has been a passionate follower of non-league football has helped oversee the club’s resurgence and is hoping for a strong end to the season:

“It’s been a roller coaster that’s for sure,” Crowder said. “Darren and his management team deserve a lot of credit for building a squad that has wrestled it back into our hands.”

“It’s not been easy and whatever happens now it’s going to be a nervy end to the season so local support at our home games will be really crucial.

“It’s a special club with a great atmosphere and lovely community feel. So if you’d normally be heading to Crystal Palace, Millwall or Charlton on Saturday, your support would be so welcome, and we’d love to have you with us at Phoenix.”

As the season enters its final decisive phase, Phoenix sit just one point behind Littlehampton Town in 17th place with a game in hand. With their fate now in their own hands, the next few weeks will determine whether their 90th year will be one of celebration or desperate disappointment.

Fans can celebrate Non-League Day with Phoenix by getting a ticket on the day using cash or card at the turnstiles or by visiting www.phoenixsportsfc.co.uk