Sound familiar Greens? It was almost over a year ago when we were all sitting in the same boat before the game against Boston Town. Today's match against Radford feels equally as important, where this time Sleaford aim to keep their status in step six of the Non-League game, a crucial level for clubs like us.

No one knows the hardships of running a club more than Josh Donner, who, since 2022 has had to make his fair share of hard decisions. This week, I sat down with the Vice Chairman to discuss his thoughts on the season as it comes to a close, as well as what may be on the horizon after today's defining game in a feature-length interview that is a must-read for all members of The Green Army.

What is your overall reflection on the season, as once again it all hinges on the last game?

"If I’m being honest, the season hasn’t unfolded in the way I anticipated, and I don’t think that will surprise too many of our supporters, particularly when you look at the progress we made during the first half of the campaign. At that stage, although we weren’t pulling up any trees, there was a sense that we were building something stable and competitive, and naturally, you start to look upwards rather than over your shoulder".

As part of the contingency planning within Project 2028, which we launched in 2025, we were always realistic about the challenges that would come with stepping into a new level of football if we were to get relegated. The shift brought new opposition, increased travel demands, and the need to rebuild following a very difficult 25/26 season. From the outset, the objective was always stability, there were no expectations internally that we would immediately bounce back, but rather that we would lay the foundations to grow again in a sustainable way.

"For the first half of the season, we were on track with that plan. Going into the end of 2025, we were sitting 13th, just three points off 10th, which showed we were competitive and capable of holding our own in the division. Of course, from a personal perspective, you always want to see the team pushing higher up the table, especially for the supporters, but it was important that we stayed grounded in the bigger picture".

Sleaford managed to pull off some good wins in this period as Donner mentions, beating Staveley 3-0, amongst the most impressive. It was from then onwards however that the standards slipped, and the reality of step six became apparent.

"As we moved into the second half of the season, results fell away and we’ve found ourselves in a more difficult position than we would have liked. That’s the reality of football at this level, momentum can shift quickly, and small margins make a big difference. However, the response from the group in recent weeks, particularly as new manager Jamie has had time to settle, has been a real positive. The character shown to pick up important results has ensured that we go into the final day with our fate still in our own hands".

"While we are in a challenging position, there’s a togetherness within the group that reflects the direction we’re trying to take the club. It hasn’t been the season I would have hoped for, but it remains in our hands going into the final day, and whatever the outcome, the focus will be on learning from this and continuing to progress as a club next season.

Do you think you have learned a lot from both of the last two years so that you will be better prepared to help for future years?

"From my perspective, 100%. A lot has happened over the past couple of years, and even more so when you look back to when I first joined the board in August 2022. It’s been a period of constant learning, and that naturally builds experience and resilience for the challenges that come with running a football club.

"You’re learning every single day in this role. Whether it’s making difficult decisions, dealing with pressure situations, or understanding how to support the club both on and off the pitch, those experiences all add up. Over time, they help you become better prepared and more measured in how you approach things.

"A big part of that has been understanding how to balance expectations. Supporters quite rightly want to see success on the pitch, but there are also the realities of running a club behind the scenes; budgets, structure, long-term planning, and finding that balance is something I’ve learned a lot about".

"I’d never claim to know everything there is about running a football club, but with each season that passes, you build knowledge and experience that better prepares you for the challenges ahead".

⁠Have you got any favourite moments of the season regardless of what the result is come 6pm Saturday?

"I think first and foremost, it’s about recognising that it’s another season in the books and, regardless of the outcome, there’s been development both as a club and on a personal level. We all naturally focus on league position, but for me, there’s also a huge amount of pride in being part of this football club and everything that comes with that responsibility".

"If I was pushed on specific moments, there are a few that stand out for different reasons. One that might not be the typical answer is seeing Ewan “Dobbo” Dobson’s progress with his physio following his leg break against Retford. It speaks volumes about his character and determination, and moments like that remind you what football clubs are really about beyond just results".

"On the pitch, the game away at FCV Grace Dieu stands out. To be 3-0 up after 15 minutes, then find ourselves 4-3 down, only to equalise at the end, it had everything and really summed up the unpredictability of our season.

"But it’s hard to look beyond last week against Holwell. At 2-1 down in the 96th minute, staring relegation in the face, it felt like the game, and the season, was slipping away. For Kyle Onyon to step up and score directly from a free kick in that moment, to keep everything alive going into the final week, is something that will live long in the memory. Those are the moments that define seasons, and hopefully, ones we can look back on even more positively in the coming days."

Has planning for next season already begun, and if so what does it look like?

Yes, absolutely, it has to. If you stand still in football, you get left behind very quickly. While our status in the league isn’t yet secured, it does mean we have to plan for different scenarios, but plan nonetheless. That work is already well underway.

"From a playing side, the obvious focus, and the one supporters will naturally be most interested in, is around strengthening the squad. We’re fortunate that Sleaford continues to have a strong pull, both for players who have been here before and those who haven’t, which puts us in a good position as we look ahead. Jamie and his management team are also now in a position where, having come in mid-season, they’ve had time to properly assess the squad, the standards, and what’s needed moving forward".

"Beyond that, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. We’re continuing to work closely with our landlords, Sleaford Sports Association (SSA), around facility agreements, as well as supporting pitch maintenance and planning ahead for next season. Off the pitch, there’s a real focus on strengthening the structure around the team, building up areas such as commercial and media to support long-term growth."

"We’re also mapping out key dates for fundraising events, which remain a vital part of sustaining the club, and continuing discussions around the development squad and what that structure and management team will look like going forward".

"Another important step is the integration of Sleaford Town Rangers Ladies and Vets under the Sleaford Town crest, as we look to bring the football community in Sleaford together under one identity and create a more unified pathway within the club."

"There’s a lot going on, and while not all of it is always visible externally, planning is well underway across multiple areas to ensure we’re in the strongest possible position heading into next season".

In Conclusion...

Your support this season has been nothing short of spectacular, whether home or away, The Green Army has been present in its numbers. The impact of such a good fanbase goes far beyond what is seen on the pitch, and whatever comes of 6 o'clock today, the club has a community to be proud of heading into next year.

Up The Greens!