Ahead of Saturday’s game at the AEI Stadium - BORO’s Football Management Team gave their thoughts, with extracts from Saturday’s match day programme notes

Joint Head Coaches - Pat & Joe

‘ Plymouth will, as always, be a tough task. They are top of the form table and recently disposed of league leaders Chesham 4-0. It’s a difficult fixture that kicks off a 4-6 week period of extremely tough games, the majority of which are against teams in the top 10. It’s good to feel the optimism around the club and we appreciate the continued support of the Borough faithful. There will be ups and downs throughout the rest of this campaign, and we’ll need you through every second of it.

Head of Football Operations - Mark

‘ Today will be as tough as they come in this league, Plymouth display a real tough competitive streak that is a match for anyone on there day.

With injuries taking their toll on us currently it may well be time for a reinforcement or 2 to be brought in, whether that be temporarily by dipping back into the loan market or permanently bolstering numbers we will update you all, what I can tell you is That striker Lucias Vine has signed a deal that see’s him become a permanent member of the squad, you may well know that second name “Vine”, I am reliably informed by Rowan himself that Lucias’s dad knew his way to goal and no doubt Lucias is a chip off the old block. Welcome Lucias.

I hope you all enjoy todays game and thank you all for coming and showing your support week in week out, yet again we reached over a 1,000 through the gate Boxing Day a massive effort from you all.

Gosport Chairman - Iain

‘Can I wish you all a belated Happy New Year.

My sincere apologies for the postponement of our home fixture v Poole Town last Saturday. A major disappointment to us all but circumstances dictated the necessary decision.

What a start to 2024 an entirely deserved point in monsoon conditions against a very competitive Winchester side acting as a prelude to a run of fixtures almost entirely against the top 6 current form sides in the division. The outcome of those matches whilst not deciding anything will speak volumes about our direction of travel for the remainder of this exciting season.

Of course we approach that stern test positively despite the current medium to long term injuries to Charlie Wassmer Rory Williams Harry Medway and current absentees Antonio Diaz and Alex Barsa. John Efedje has chosen to join Dorchester’s current fight against relegation and we wish him every success in his future career.

It speaks volumes for Pat and Joe’s squad that we can cover those absences with the promotion of good characters who will look to grab their opportunity with both feet. We will look to strengthen where possible if talent that we consider adds quality to our side exists and to that end of course you will already have witnessed cameo appearances from both Billie Busari and Lucius Vine both young players of huge potential and promising futures. A big welcome to both.

Joe Morrison has started his career with Boro in an outstanding manner and will without doubt become a crowd favourite in short order. Covering Charlie’s absence and such a huge presence is no little challenge and I for one cant wait to see the two of them at the heart of our defence for the seasons run in. Joe was the first recruitment action of Rowan Vine in his role as Technical Manager here where he will adopt full responsibility for player movement both in and out using his considerable contacts whilst acting as an invaluable sounding board for our young and talented coaching staff as we approach the ‘business end’ of the season.

I’ve said before any one of at least ten sides remain in the frame for promotion and play offs and we aim to be one of them those that will be successful will be clubs that are truly committed and together on and off the field. Crowds of 1,000 plus are becoming fairly common place in this division and will continue to do so as the season plays out and I cant emphasise enough how critical your support will be as we look to gain the points we so desperately need to be in that winning frame. It was a huge lift to the team and coaches to have the vocal support in such awful weather conditions at Winchester and played no small part in that late equaliser….a Huge thanks for that and keep travelling.

Finally a big welcome to the officials fans coaches and players from Plymouth Parkway today. We hope they’ve had a safe and hassle free trip and enjoy the same on the return journey.

Enjoy the game have fun and stay safe.

The Club Shop has received a stock of the replica Away Shirts which are available in various sizes at the game on Saturday…..please see Phil.

Come support the BORO’
Gates Open at Midday…..