Following their relegation from Isthmian South Central back to step five of the non-league pyramid, GFC face the prospect of taking on 15 sides they have never come head-to-head with before while reuniting with just four from their Isthmian days.
‘Another positive in unfortunately getting relegated is that we we have new grounds, new teams and a new league ahead of us,’ Vance said.
‘What comes with that, and with Victoria Park coming on line, is that we’ve got this fresh new beginning and that’s exciting.
‘As I’ve said before, we have been stale and probably the only bit of excitement in the last seven or eight years has been getting to Victoria Park finally – and that’s fantastic for us.
‘We did not want to go down, relegation is never nice, but we can now try and attack this new beginning. It gives us something to look forward to.’
Along with GFC, Steyning Town Community and Lancing have both dropped down from step four, while Forest Row and Seaford Town earned promotion to this level.
Not being able to tell you exactly what to expect from their new opponents is something that Vance is relishing.
‘That’s the whole beauty of why I do this and why the players do it – the new grounds we will be going to, the new people we meet and the new styles of play we will be facing make it a fresh challenge,’ he said.
‘It takes you out of your comfort zone and makes up step up to that challenge.’
Southern Combination Premier Division for 2025-26
AFC Varndeanians, Bexhill United, Crawley Down Gatwick, Eastbourne United, Forest Row, Guernsey FC, Haywards Heath Town, Horsham YMCA, Lancing, Lingfield, Little Common, Midhurst & Easebourne, Newhaven, Pagham, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Roffey, Seaford Town, Shoreham, Steyning Town Community, Wick.
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