The Opposing View – Petts Wood & Holmesdale FC vs Tooting & Mitcham Utd, FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, Sat 8th August 2026 with Roger Ramone, Tooting & Mitcham Utd Programme Contributor and Supporter

Background & Identity

Nik: To start us off, could you give us a short background history of Tooting & Mitcham United and what defines the club today?
Roger: Tooting & Mitcham were formed as the result of a merger between Tooting Town and Mitcham Wanderers in 1932 and rapidly rose up the leagues winning the Isthmian League twice. But since the 1990s we have spent most of our time in the Isthmian 1st division until relegation to step 5 in 2023. Since then we have improved season upon season and will be aiming for the playoffs this time.
At the same time we have been building a reputation for producing top class youngsters, with numerous players stepping up into the professional game over the last decade or so. Our most recent graduate is Raees Bangura-Williams, who is currently at Millwall.

Nik: In your opinion, what’s one thing about Tooting & Mitcham United that people outside the club never realise, but really should?
Roger: One thing that not many people know is that Tooting took part in the first experimental use of the white ball in a televised match against Bromley in 1949.

Last Season Review

Nik: How would you sum up last season for Tooting & Mitcham United, what were the main highs and lows from your perspective?
Roger: Last season was a good one for Tooting in that we finished 3rd in the league and made the playoffs. On the way there, we had an amazing 2-1 win at Redhill where we scored 2 stoppage time goals. That match was voted as game of the season by the supporters. Obviously getting well beaten in the playoff semi-final was a big blow, but that won’t overshadow the fact that we are still on an upward trajectory.

FA Cup Focus

Nik: The FA Cup means something different to every club. What does the competition represent for Tooting & Mitcham Utd and your supporters? Do you have a favourite FA Cup memory involving Tooting & Mitcham Utd?
Roger: We have got a lot of history in this competition, albeit from a few years ago now. Anyone who was at the replay when we beat Swindon in the 3rd round in 1976 will never forget it. But more recently we had an incredible 4-3 victory away at Conference side, Eastbourne Borough in a 4th qualifying round replay in 2009. A game in which our current manager, Jamie Byatt, played a key part.

Match Preview

Nik: What do you know (if anything) about Petts Wood & Holmesdale or as we were until last season, Holmesdale 1956 FC?
Roger: As for Holmesdale, they are known to most fans at our level, but we have never been in the same league, so have never met. Although, I feel sure that I played a Sunday game against Holmesdale, if my memory isn’t playing tricks.

Nik: What are your thoughts on the upcoming match between the two sides and will you be brave enough to give us a score prediction?
Roger: It’s obviously the first time the two clubs have ever met, so there will be a lot of our supporters keen to make the journey to a new ground.
“I don’t make predictions and I never will” said Paul Gascoigne, but we have been improving every season for the last three years, so I am expecting us to get past you on Saturday – I am going for 2-0 Tooting & Mitcham Utd away win.

Fun One to Finish

Nik: If Tooting & Mitcham could sign one player from the last FIFA World Cup, who would it be and why…..and we’re banning the obvious superstar choices (Messi, Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or nominees), so you’ll have to get creative for this one?
Roger: So, avoiding the obvious A Listers, I would like to have someone like Jeremy Doku(Man City & Belgium) who can unlock defences and create chances. He also attracts extra defenders, so creating space for others.

Nik: Great stuff, see you Saturday buddy!

Roger: Cheers, Nik.