What's Eastbourne Borough's best XI of all time?

Now then, Borough fans – especially long-standing supporters – it’s time to dust off your memories and dig out that pile of old programmes. The club is inviting votes for the All-Time Greatest Borough XI !
Would Ben Austin be in your all-time Eastbourne Borough team?Would Ben Austin be in your all-time Eastbourne Borough team?
Would Ben Austin be in your all-time Eastbourne Borough team?

Commercial manager Sian Ansell set the ball rolling this week with a challenge on the club’s Facebook page.

Craig Ross or Lew Carey in goal? Pullen or Simpemba at centre-back? Ramsay or Luer up front?

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Most supporters could fill the 11 shirts several times over...

Football is always a game of opinions, of course – and one Eastbourne Borough legend went public on Tuesday night with his chosen XI.

Matt Crabb – who rattled up more than 500 games in the Sports red and black – was summarising with me for the live stream of the Charlton game.

Modestly excluding himself from the final line-up, Crabb came with a classic 4-4-2 which spans the past couple of decades:

GK: Lee Hook

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Back four: Ben Austin, Darren Baker, Marc Pullan, Stuart Tuck

Midfield: John Westcott, Matt Smart, Mick Green, Chris Whelpdale

Strikers: Andy Atkin and Yemi Odubade

Crabb, a respected figure in the local game who now has his eye on further coaching and management roles, had some wise observations – including special words for a player so special that a stand is named in his memory.

“Mick Green may not be known to the younger generation, but he was a fantastic player and club man – and I believe the only man ever to represent Sussex both in goal and as an outfield player.”

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Mick died tragically in a building site accident while club captain and still in his prime. “An example for any club player and never forgotten,” said Crabb.

Is Mick Green a certainty at the heart of that team?

Few would argue, but your own views on the other ten may vary. Get your votes in by March 31.

The supporter closest to the judges’ selection wins a football signed by both teams from the Borough versus Blackpool FA Cup tie.

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