Bognor coach's message to players and fans

At this time of year, Bognor are usually reflecting on an intense fixture schedule. Not in 2020-21 - the Rocks have not played since mid-December and are not likely to be in action again until March at the earliest.

Despite the extended time away from football, Blake is confident his players will maintain appropriate fitness levels during the break, ready to attack competitive football when it finally returns.

‘I’ve kept in contact a little with them on our group chat, but one thing I will say about our players is they really look after themselves. They’re very professional and keep in a good condition, so I have no concerns about their fitness levels when we do eventually come back,’ Blake stated.

The players received no 'homework' from Jack Pearce and Blake - other than to stay safe and take this opportunity to enjoy the festivities with loved ones.

‘It was so close to Christmas when it happened, so we wanted to give everyone a little extra time at home with those close to them, rather than focus on the football club. Even at our level, we don’t usually get much of an opportunity to spend the Christmas period with family, so giving the players that time off was certainly something Jack and I were keen to do,’ outlined Blake.

Shortly before Christmas, the Rocks hoped they’d return as early as January 9, but since the government’s announcement on Monday of another national lockdown, it has Blake questioning the ultimate outcome of the season.

‘We’ve got to stay positive, but of course there’s the increasing possibility of another null and void season. We really hope it doesn’t come to that, and I’m sure the league and clubs involved will consider lots of different avenues before that decision is made,’ he said.

Unfortunately for Bognor, the hiatus occurred during a rich vein of form. Prior to the Isthmian premier’s shutdown in early November, the Rocks managed four successive home wins at Nyewood Lane, keeping three clean sheets during that time.

However, in the FA Trophy clash with Maldon & Tiptree ten days before Christmas, Blake’s side failed to rediscover their form, crashing out of the competition unexpectedly. According to Bognor’s No. 2, his side lacked the cutting-edge they needed to punish Maldon & Tiptree in the first half, but he revealed that pre-match complications may have also affected their performance.

‘The circumstances didn’t help our defeat. It wasn’t ideal preparation for us; we were stuck on a coach for a number of hours because of a crash in the Dartford tunnel.

‘That’s not really an excuse though. We had enough chances to win the game comfortably and we failed to do that. If we took our opportunities in the first half, we’d have been well in the lead, and that’s the overriding frustration I’m taking from the game,’ he admitted.

Despite that knockout, Blake feels optimistic about the capabilities of his players, believing the Rocks could produce a strong finish in the league if football eventually resumes.