Hoping for a positive end to the campaign – Basildon United’s Callum Stringer (Image: Nicky Hayes)
Basildon United midfielder Callum Stringer feels their position in ninth place in the Isthmian North Division doesn’t reflect their recent performances.
Chris Taylor took over from Ajay Ashanike at the end of January and following a positive start to life at Gardiners Close, the ex-Witham Town boss has overseen a four-game winless run which has seen the Bees’ chances of a play-off finish slip away.
Stringer assesses their season so far.
“The lads have done great and have been in and around the play-off spots all season,” he said.
“I’d say ninth place isn’t a fair reflection on what the lads have achieved so far.
“A few results have gone against us since I have been at Basildon and we find ourselves where we are.
“The lads have had a great season and fair play to them for that.”
The 22-year-old joined Basildon from Maldon & Tiptree in February after spells in Ireland with Cobh Ramblers and Waterford.
Stringer explains how the move to the Bees came about.
“The deal came about by me asking the chairman if I could come in on trial,” he stated.
“The previous manager had just left and brought a few players with him so the numbers were a bit low within the squad so I probably got a bit lucky in that sense.”
Stringer has made nine appearances since his arrival and has impressed since joining.
He says he has enjoyed life with the Bees so far.
“My time at Basildon has been great,” he said.
“The players, fans and staff within the club have been very good to me and made it very easy for me to settle in.
“Myself and everyone involved is very eager to finish the season as strongly as possible.
“We feel like we deserve to be in and around the play-off places and we want to show that to everyone else.
“The fans have put in a great effort all season and they deserve it also.”
Basildon will now have an eye on next season with their play-off aspirations gradually slipping away, sitting 14 points off of fifth-place Brentwood Town.
Stringer is now looking to have a successful 2024/25 campaign.
“I’m looking forward to next season, especially with the disappointment of the last few weeks bringing us a bit further down the table,” he said.
“We will definitely look to improve on where we have ended up at the end of the season and hopefully push on as much as we can.
“I hope I’m part of the manager’s plans and with games still to play, I’m hoping the fans and management get to see the best of me.”
