Craig Ferguson was part of the Basildon United squad that finished in 14th place in the Isthmian North Division. Since he arrived at The Stuart Bingham Stadium in January, Ferguson made 16 appearances in the yellow and black stripes as they comfortably avoided relegation.
I spoke to the midfielder about his thoughts on last campaign, his goals heading into next season and more.
Basildon United finished in 14th place in the Isthmian North Division. How would you assess the 2022/23 campaign?
‘It’s been a great season for me personally and the club, as for me coming over to Basildon United, I wanted to play as much football as I can whilst developing myself as a player. I definitely feel I have done that with the help of the players, management team and fans. Getting 40 points is the most the club has had in their history at this level. That goes to show how we as a team, and club, are only going in the right direction.’
You arrived at The Stuart Bingham Stadium in January. How much have you enjoyed your time at the club so far?
‘Arriving at Basildon was a weird one at first as I was playing consistently with Coggeshall before the new management team at the club changed the dynamic. However, joining Basildon was a great move as everyone at the club made me feel so welcome and helped show belief in my ability. I definitely have to say the reassurance from Darren Manning (Manager), Callum Bolger (Coach) and Joe Gadsdon (Assistant Manager) have definitely helped me settle in and give 100% for the Basildon shirt.’
Before your time with the Bees, you were at fellow Isthmian North Division outfit Coggeshall Town. What made you want to swap the Seed Growers for Basildon?
‘The change from Coggeshall to Basildon was mainly down to trust and knowing me as a player. The new management team at Coggeshall didn’t know me at the time which made it hard for them to start me and other players during the situation. However, Darren knew about me from when I was making appearances for the first-team at Billericay. So when I reached out to him to come over, it just made sense as he knows how I play and I want to get minutes and help the team keep climbing up the table.’
How much did you enjoy your time at Billericay Town U23’s where you lifted two trophies in the 2021/22 season?
‘Playing with Billericay U23’s and lifting two trophies was a massive achievement as winning any silverware is a great feeling. I feel as if that season was a great way to help with the transition of me moving into constant men’s football from U23’s level.’
You were also part of the team that, alongside a number of other U23’s players, drew at home to St. Albans City. Would you say that was one of your most memorable moments during your time with the Blues?
‘That game against St. Albans was definitely one of my biggest achievements at Billericay. This was because it enabled me to personally showcase my ability at that level of football and show young players can compete at the higher levels. Also, it showed others that you don’t need to count on names on the back of shirts.’
What are your plans heading into next season and beyond?
‘Next season I want to continue showcasing my ability and be fighting in the play-offs as I want to win some silverware next year and God willing that happens.’
