White Ensign boss Aaron Bloxham: “We like to be one of those teams everyone hates to play against”

 


White Ensign manager Aaron Bloxham has spoken of his team’s identity, on and off the pitch, as they enter their fifth season in the Essex Senior League.

Appearing on The Back Post Show with hosts Rob Lilley, Peter Dudley, Scott Waple and Sam Gardiner, Bloxham, well-known around the local non-league circuit for his passion on the sidelines, started by discussing the expectations he was set when appointed Ensign boss for his second spell in the summer of 2022.

“There weren’t really any targets set, it was a time where the squad needed a total rebuild as most of the players had left”, Bloxham explained.

“It was all about helping the club stay in the division. We knew it would be tough but it’s a club where there is no pressure put on the manager. Having said that, as a person, you always want to do the best you can.”

The discussion then turned to White Ensign’s memorable FA Vase run during the 2024-25 season, where they reached the 4th round before unfortunately exiting the competition on penalties to Erith & Belvedere.

“We had some fantastic games in the Vase which helped build a bit of team spirit”, Bloxham reflected.

“The game itself which we lost [vs Erith & Belvedere] was unfortunate, on another day we could’ve won, but those things happen. It was fantastic for the club and the team, who earned it.”

Speaking about the differences between the squads from both last season, which finished 8th, and this season, currently in the same position in the table after four matches, Bloxham is quick to point out the notable absences of players who have accepted opportunities to play higher in the football pyramid.

“What we’re learning is that players come and go”, he stated. “We had a lot leave this summer, some playing higher up and have earned their places.

“Nathan [Wilson], our captain, is a prime example of what can be achieved when given the right opportunities on the pitch, and off the pitch I don’t think anyone works harder than him. He’s getting his rewards now, he’s starting games at Hashtag United in Step 3. The club and I are proud of that and good luck to him.”

Moving on to the 2025/26 season, when asked about the club’s preparations for the new campaign, Bloxham emphasised the difficulties the club faced during pre-season.

“Not only were we trying out new players, but we didn’t have a pitch for pre-season, which puts off a lot of higher-division clubs – they don’t really want to play you unless you have a pitch”, Bloxham explained.

“We played a few teams that were at a similar level to us: Southend Manor, Wakering Sports… I was trying to test them and hope the players learn from those games. I thought we were ready for the new season but it fell apart during the first game!”

Bloxham then discussed the opening few games of Ensign’s Essex Senior League season, which has so far seen them pick up two wins and two defeats.

“We just fell apart [on the opening day during a 5-2 loss to SOUL Tower Hamlets]”, he said bluntly. “However we were excellent against Barking and I thought we deserved the win, but it’s like it was a different team to the one on the opening day.

“Both of those teams have got experience in their ranks and good players, and after coming against them I’m not too afraid to face anyone else. I’m excited for the rest of the season now.”

Bloxham, four seasons into his second spell in charge, had a simple answer when asked about the identity and mentality of his club.

“We like to be one of those teams everyone hates to play against”, he stated. “I like my players to press, be amongst it and not give teams an easy ride – if you do that, in this league especially, I believe you’re halfway to being in the game.

“I think we beat every team in the league during the course of last season which shows that we’re doing something right. Sometimes we have to adapt to the conditions, which we do well.

“We have slightly different players to what we had last year so we have had to adapt our game a little bit. At the moment, the process is going well. Hopefully we can find that consistency once we get going again.”

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