Inigo Calderon
Image by: Paul Hazlewood
PUBLISHED
19:00 4th July 2014
by Sam Pearce
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Brighton & Hove Albion begin their pre-season preparations tomorrow against Lewes FC at the Dripping Pan.Sami Hyypia's first test as Albion’s new manager comes against a side with incredible history. The fact that Lewes were established in 1885 means that the club, currently playing in the Isthmian League, are 16 years older than their Championship counterparts.
After near relegation the previous year, Lewes started the 2013/14 season in promising fashion, going unbeaten in their opening 11 league games, but an inconsistent second-half of the campaign saw the side finish in 16th place.
The Rooks were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third qualifying round by Sutton United in a 1-0 home defeat and lost 2-1 to Leatherhead in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy at the Dripping Pan.
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Lewes have made a total of eight signings so far this summer, including centre-back Gary Elphick - brother of Tommy and a player that made two senior appearances for Albion.Former Crawley Town midfielder Bryon Napper has signed from Horsham, while former Albion scholar Ollie Rowe and Sam Cole have completed the switch from Eastbourne Borough.
Terry Dodd - who hit a hat-trick to knock Albion out of the Sussex Senior Cup last season - has been added to the ranks from Bognor Regis Town after scoring a total of 35 goals in all competitions for the Rocks last term.
Luke Blewden is another new signing, but is dual-registered with Tonbridge Angels.
Finally, Lewes have continued to shore up their defence with two young prospects, Henry Muggeridge and Alex Malins. Muggeridge, a versatile 20-year old, can play at full-back or in midfield.
It is not all about the new arrivals; Lewes have also been strengthened by signing several players on new contracts.
Injured captain Jack Walder has commited his future to Lewes; as have Fraser Logan, Jack Dixon, Nathan Crabb, Sam Crabb, goalkeeper Rikki Banks and Nicky Wheeler. Banks has made over 150 appearances for the club in three different spells.
Original article