Andy Woodman has called for “a real carnival atmosphere” at Bromley’s final home match of the 2025-26 League Two season against Walsall.
Woodman’s Ravens head into their season finale tomorrow (2 May) needing to win and hope that MK Dons fail to claim victory at Fleetwood Town if they’re to snatch the title, having lost the championship lead after the Dons beat Tranmere last weekend in the wake of their defeat at Salford.
Bromley are also looking to go the whole campaign unbeaten at home in the league, which is a rare feat in League Two this century.
The 54-year-old manager however is prioritising focus on celebrating their promotion above the title as he called for the home fans to create “a real carnival atmosphere” at the CopperJax Stadium as he previewed the match against Walsall on Bromley’s YouTube Channel.
“I think we haven’t had a chance to do it, have we? Let’s be honest, as a football club. I think we’ve watched Lincoln, we’ve watched MK Dons celebrating on their pitch with their fans and crowd yesterday. We haven’t really had a chance to do it the way it’s panned out.
“So, I think whatever the outcome is tomorrow, um let’s make sure it’s a real carnival atmosphere for everybody. Uh people before the game, during the game and after the game. And most importantly for me, let’s make sure that these players get the appreciation they deserve for what they’ve done for this football club.”
Woodman however praised his players for how they have approached training ahead of the last home game of the season.
“They’re just focused on the game. It’s mental, I mean, people on the outside wouldn’t believe it, but these boys have just got one thing and one thing in their heads. Um and uh that’s what I love about them. Super proud about, you know, about the group. I’m super proud about the football club.
“Uh the support, where we are at, how it’s grown, and you know, I’ll say it like I’ve said to many people, many times to you, Bromley Football Club are in League One next year.”
He also quipped that the players are more focused on trying to snatch the title and comically ribbed him for wanting to enjoy the final game of the season in banter during the pre-match preparations.
“It’s funny, because they’ve been onto me a little bit to be honest. It’s really funny. Uh it annoys me but they’re like really absolutely bang on it. And I sort of look at it as a sort of probably what we’ve created here, you know? My staff, me, we’ve got a team now that just know how to function and know what’s required, and the levels and all of that.
“The training has been amazing. Um the level of training. So, yeah, last game, let’s go for it.”
EFL clubs this week have urged fans to refrain from creating iconic on-the-pitch celebrations and Woodman in particular took a personal approach, as he addressed fans in a plea to stay in the stands and resist the urge to run onto the pitch at full time as he bemused being “a killjoy.”
“Yeah I think look, I don’t want to be a killjoy. I know they’re going to be a part of it, but I think we’ve really got a responsibility to make sure that these football boys, you know, these football players enjoy the day with their families in a safe environment.
“Um so, I would really urge anyone that gets caught up in the moment, wants to jump on the pitch, please don’t, because you’re only going to take away from the whole year’s work that these boys have done, and we want you to enjoy it with us as we celebrate, walk around, you know, um and enjoy the final preparations of of a great season.”
Woodman also spoke of wanting fans to enjoy the match and let the team lead the celebrations at full time thanking the supporters, as he reflected on how many times their support drove the team to valuable results like the comeback win at Bristol Rovers and draw at Barnet.
“That’s why I want them to enjoy it, you know? I don’t want them to enjoy it, be proud um of their team, and equally, let us thank you, you know? We want to walk around and be able to thank you, because you know, there’s so many days and games that I think you know, they flash through my head now.
“We would never be where we are without them. And um you know, some games that we were dead and buried, and they got us across the line, and they got this team across the line. So, again, look, enjoy the day. Let us come and thank you as much as you’re thanking this team, as well.”
Bromley will hold an open-top bus parade on Bromley High Street and promotion party at the stadium on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May, with Woodman happy to see the team getting another chance to celebrate with fans.
“Yeah I think so, and I think it’s be quite nice, you know, to again, the community of Bromley Football Club and Bromley town, it’s a nice way of us bringing each other together, you know? Us showing our appreciation to the town, and then the town coming out and showing their appreciation to the players.
“It’s um I’m really glad that’s been overturned or whatever complications were, that’s allowed to go ahead because I think it’s really important for both, the town and for Bromley Football Club.”
Woodman also teased what the off-season holds as he explained that planning for the move up to League One is underway.
“I mean, that’s going to be my summer. That’s my whole world now. Um people think I go on holiday and relax. That’s probably could be further from the truth. Uh myself and the chairman have been working last week, scouting team, and um I’ve got a summer of graft to make sure we get a team that’s competitive with what we’ve got in the league above.”
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