Westy spoke to Steve Bone at the Mid Sussex Times about the 2022-23 season so far
James Westlake is relishing the job of leading Hassocks’ new management team and players to a successful season.
Westlake took over from Brad Sweetman in the summer and has brought in a number of new players as Hassocks look to establish themselves in the Southern Combination Premier Division and perhaps have a cup run or two.
They picked up their first league points at the third time of asking with a 2-1 win at AFC Uckfield and followed that up with another win three days later away at Alfold.
Westlake told the Mid Sussex Times: “It has all been a bit of a whirlwind to be honest but I’m extremely pleased with the squad we have built.”
“We recognised it was important to bring new players in but it was just as important to keep the core group that kept the club in the division last season.
“We lost a few but we have managed to compliment the players who have stayed by adding County League experience, quality and local players that want to play for Hassocks.”
“Signing the likes of Harvey Blake, Phil Johnson, Liam Benson, Pat Harding and Sam Cash has been really important as they not only bring a wealth of experience but also know and appreciate the club.”
“We’ve then been able to add further quality and experience by signing Mike Williamson, Alex Byrgaves, Mark Zydonik, Sam Rogers, Leon Turner and Tom Frankland.”
Westlake said the start of the season had been as expected. Along with their wins against Uckfield and Alfold, the Robins have lost against Peacehaven & Telscombe and Midhurst & Easebourne.
In the FA Cup, they overcame Lingfield in the extra preliminary round before bowing out to higher division Uxbridge.
“Whilst we would have liked more from our first two games, with so many new faces, it is going to take time to blend everything together,” he said.
“Having said that, we went onto progress in the FA Cup and have shown plenty of positives in our league form since then.”
“The aim for the season is to install a winning mentality and be as competitive as we possibly can be on the pitch.”
“There is already a great togetherness at the club but a new management team as well as a new group of players all takes time to blend.”
“The past few seasons have been a challenge for the club but we are looking to be as progressive as we can be, both on and off the pitch.”
