With an average crowd of 253* in their first season at Step Two and 309* in 22/23 I think it's fair to say Concord Rangers punched above their weight for the eight seasons they were in the Vanarama National League South Division.
I state this phrase with the upmost respect as I think to mix it with some of the well established teams just one level below the top tier of the non-league game was a tremendous achievement for the Essex club who saw a rapid rise from Step Five to Step Two in just six season between 2007 to 2016.
Everyone at the club will also remember their remarkable FA Trophy run during a pandemic affected 19/20 season when they got all the way to Wembley to be narrowly defeated by Harrogate Town, who were by then a football league side following their promotion in 2020, in a delayed Final played in May 2021 behind closed doors at Wembley Stadium.
The Beachboys find themselves back in the Isthmian Premier Division for the 23/24 campaign and will be under the new management of Southend-On-Sea born Sammy Collins, 33, who takes his first Manager's job after a playing career with Cheshunt, East Thurrock United, AFC Hornchurch, Maidenhead United, Wivenhoe Town, Hendon, Kettering Town and MK Dons. He was also a firm fan's favourite during his time as a player with Concord Rangers from 2013 to 2017.
He will assisted by Curtis Ujah who has played for many local non-league clubs after beginning his playing career in the Reading Academy.
I think their loyal fans deserve some luck as they didn't get to see their side run out at Wembley in 2021 due to the pandemic. They will certainly be looking forward to renewing their local rivalry with Canvey Island who they last played in the same league as during the 12/13 Isthmian Premier season.
The league games played for that season attracted crowds of 338 and 616. I'm sure the games for next campaign will be seen by attendances well into four figures!
* denotes league games only
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