So the curtain fell on the BSP season with the sun blazing in the sky. We didn't sign out with a victory but we certainly ended our debut season with a points tally we only dreamt of back in August, and a league position to be more than proud of.

With a bumper increase in crowds and Boro claiming the best supported team in Sussex tag, Eastbourne has not only landed in the top tier of non-league but has firmly stabbed the flag in and shown its intention to stay! We have the dreaded "second season" syndrome to worry about come autumn but with a team such as Garry and Nick at the helm, I for one am looking forward to the challenges new.

With the likes of Luton Town due to visit next season and AFC Wimbledon and their travelling hordes I am sure that the interest in the Boro will once again attract more new fans to The Lane. I for one have my fingers crossed that Gateshead don't make it through the play offs from Conference North. Nothing against them personally but it's a hell of long way! Let's face it, we could have had to go to Grimsby too! Phew....

It will be a busy summer for all behind the scenes, what with pitch maintenance, squad assembly, ticket sales and all the paraphernalia that running a club involves. As every Boro fans knows, all this is in more than capable hands with Len and his committee, Lorna and her hidden assets, and all those others that give so freely of their time. I am certain that I can speak for all the supporters of Eastbourne Borough FC when I say a very big thank you to each and every one of you!

So, let's just spend a few minutes looking back at the highlights of the past few months. We entered the arena, not really knowing quite what to expect and were rewarded with some quaint customs on our travels. Segregation reared its head and it was a bit of a culture shock to us poor newbies. On the whole we were warmly welcomed on our travels and to be honest I think the name of Eastbourne gained respect the longer the season went on. We got to visit some famous names too and no one will forget Oxford United away! My fondest memory was Michelle, the lovely steward who looked after our coach!

Mansfield Town have managed to take the honours in two categories. Not happy with having the grumpiest and most jobs-worthy stewards, they also managed to steal the "Foulest Burger of the Year" just pipping Lewes in that vote. Wrexham entered the food criteria and won the "How much did that cost" award for charging more for a pie with a cuppa than the local carvery charge for a full meal! Kiddie stole the show and will take some shifting from the "Homemade Quality and Value" title. Alty did a buy one get one free in the 2nd half and they take the "We cooked too much food" award.

Next we cast our eyes over the fans of our fellow BSP squads. All in all it's been a pleasant experience both at home and on our travels. I cannot think of one ground where we were made to feel unwanted, although Grays have to receive a special mention in the "So tight fisted that they charged the committee to get in" category. Stevenage Borough put a smile on every last soul in the bar when The Grannies arrived in town. A fantastic effort and for this they are given the "You're mad, and you know you are" award. Priceless guys, priceless. To the rest of the fans that came, saw and had a nice time on the South Coast, we salute you all and will welcome you all back next season. Only one game blotted the copybook, and for that we thank the "Mansfield Morons" I say no more!

And so that's it for 2008/09. When I was first asked to write a bit each week I wondered quite how it would all pan out. I never envisaged that come April I would have submitted 36 blogs and that each week they would grow in size. I have received some very nice comments along the way and hope that my weekly ramblings have entertained you. Some have even asked if this old drivel will become a book. Well, it may well yet get stapled together and then be used to raise funds for the Supporters Club.

Oh yes.... we still have the small matter of the Sussex Senior Cup final on Bank Holiday Monday when Boro take on the Athletic Track Renters from West Sussex. Maybe playing in a four sided stadium will throw BHA off and we can hold the silverware high. 90 minutes will give us the answer. Til next week and our final goodbyes....