By Toby Hasleham
After a campaign of many highs, Brannon O’Neill reflects one final time on the emphatic league season and play-off triumph that saw the Hillians secure promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
Following a season marked by consistency, Brannon said the confidence in the squad to “get the job done” in the semi-final against Margate FC was extremely high. This coolness shone through and they took a 2-0 victory at a buzzing Leylands Park, leaving a tricky away game at Sittingbourne as their final obstacle to promotion.
After a gruelling 120-minute game that ended 1-1, the tie went to penalties where the Hillians held their nerve and went on to secure a 2-3 victory and seal promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division for the 2025/26 campaign. The squad was quick to embrace the ecstatic away end, marking a memorable season for the green and black.
Reflecting on the game, Brannon said: “We knew Sittingbourne would be tough but fortunately, we were able to go over 90, 120 minutes, compared to Sittingbourne who had a good 45 but couldn’t really offer any more.”
“When the group got put together, we knew the quality that we had could achieve that,” he added.
“It’s a great achievement and we are really pleased and looking forward to next season.”
The season began with a change of ownership, new squad members and a whole new managerial dynamic that saw Jay Lovett and Gary Mansell appointed joint managers for the 2024/25 season. Though questions were asked of the new strategy, Brannon believes it was a big reason behind the club’s successes this year. He identified Jay’s grit and determination to win and see out games, alongside Gary’s technical knowledge and experience as key factors to their season, with the pair complementing each other really well.
“It has been a really good dynamic, and the proof is in the pudding. It has worked, and it’s exciting moving forward,” Brannon said.
He also commented on the importance of the off pitch support the duo provide. “They are both so approachable, really open and honest, and that’s what you always ask from the management team,” he added.
Brannon finished the 2024/25 season on 14 goals, topping the team’s scoring chart. While he admits he is satisfied with his contribution, he credits the team for his impressive numbers, labelling them “sublime” at getting the ball into the ‘gold zone’ – the 18-yard box where Brannon was so clinical this season.
He also highlighted the team’s vastly improved defensive record this season as a key contributor to the team’s goal scoring ability. The surety at the back this season saw the Hillians concede 28 fewer than last season while also scoring 28 more. Brannon highlighted the defence’s ability to “deal with the pressure” and “build towards the final third” as reasons why we have seen such improvement, and it shows promising signs leading into next season.
Looking ahead, Brannon is confident the club can keep moving forward in the same way. The club’s forward-thinking nature with the new owners and management team means the club will only continue to grow. “It is really pleasing,” he said.
On the team, he added: “The squad itself, there is so much experience which we can take with us into next season and hopefully the group will continue to grow, and players will be added that will take us to the next level.”
He also spoke on the impact the fans’ home and away support has had this season and hopes it can continue next year as the calendar takes them to Sussex, Essex, Kent and London.
“We are so grateful for the loud and noisy fans, they contribute so much to us when we are on the pitch.”
He added: “Just seeing the green and black ties is really important, and we can’t thank them enough.”
