New signing Saunders on Horsham FC: ‘I like the way they do things’

The attacking midfielder has spent five seasons at Haywards Heath and has helped them enjoy one of their most successful periods.

In that time Saunders made 150 appearances, scoring 82 goals and making 64 assists. Now he has joined Dominic Di Paola’s side in the Isthmian Premier – one league higher than Heath.

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Saunders is excited to join the the club. He said: “It’s a club on the up, I like the way they do things and I like the players they have.

“The facilities are great, a big fan-base, and a few of the boys are close friends of mine.

“I know the gaffer, I spoke with him last summer but the move never happened. Once I spoke to him again when this season was done I felt it was the right time.”

Saunders has watched Horsham with interest and was impressed with what they achieved in their first seaosn of the Isthmian Premier. He said: “They had a great first season in the prem and there’s no reason we can’t do it again. I’ve spoken with Dom and he’s keeping the boys together; they’re a very tight-knit squad and that goes a long way on the pitch.

“I’ve never played for Dom before but I’ve known him for years and he has won a lot.

“I know he’s a ambitious manager and know what expects of his players so I’m looking forward to playing for him.”

But although it was the right time for Saunders, it was not an easy decision – especially with his dad Shaun being the manager.

He said: “It was hardest decision I’ve made in football to be honest. I’ve been at Heath for five years. I’ve got to know everyone so well, not just the players, but the bar staff, committee, the people that come and watch, and obviously my dad’s the gaffer.”

Manager Di Paola is delighted with the signing.

He said: “I am really pleased that Callum has agreed to sign, we wanted to get him in when we came into the prem but he stayed loyal to his dad.

“He is a great lad and well known among our squad so I think he will fit in well.

“I am hoping he gives us additional firepower as we did struggle a bit for goals last season. He is also dangerous from a dead ball and technically good so I am really pleased.”

Di Paola is planning already for next season. He said: “I think regardless of delays and issues with Covid-19 we have to plan as we normally would with pre-season friendlies, sessions and speaking with players etc. Sooner or later we will get back to playing so we have to be prepared. It is also nice to have a bit of normality in these times.

“We have spoken with all our players, we are waiting on responses to some and some have made decisions.”