A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Needham Market
FAT 6R v Stockport County (H) 0-3
Favourite moments
As the game was all-ticket with a possible sell-out crowd, I had to drive to Needham Market to get my ticket for the game. As I had an evening commitment, I only had time to see 15 minutes of the Needham Market on the day tickets were sold, but I was warmly welcomed before the game. I even managed to buy a scarf in preparation for the big game against Stockport County. There was a bit of delay why the key to the cupboard was found, but I am the proud owner of a Needham Market scarf.
Fun fact
In the Rampant Horse, I met an ex-Needham Market player, who told me tales about Needham Market. I also went to the Swan, where I met two other Phils who look remarkably like me – maybe, I was cloned.
Magic moment
The game against Stockport County proved to be too tough for Needham Market. However, the buzz around the town and the ground on the day made it all worthwhile. It was so good to witness a club that has risen from the Suffolk & Ipswich League to the Eastern Counties League to the Isthmian Premier, playing at a nice ground with excellent facilities.
What you will find in the book
The book describes my journey following the 2021-22 FA Trophy. I chose to start at Hashtag United v Chipstead in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy. From there, I followed the winners of each tie, finishing at Wembley, where I saw Bromley lift the trophy after beating Wrexham. It was a magical journey that enabled me to visit 9 non-League grounds plus Wembley and meet supporters from 12 different fantastic clubs.
What is the book like?
I travelled to each game by train and stayed at or close to the venue of each tie for at least one night. Each chapter takes a light-hearted look at my travels, my exploration of each town or city, as well as covering my match-day experience. I also met many interesting people on my travels, enjoying a beer or two with the locals at each venue. The book captures the spirit that I believe only exists in non-League football and describes some truly enjoyable and memorable moments.
A bit about me (but not too much, I hope)
I was born and raised in Charlton and have been a long-suffering Charlton Athletic supporter. In the 1980s, I lived in Bromley and started to support Bromley FC, who were playing in the Isthmian League in those days. This introduced me to non-League football, and I have never looked back. Now living on the Kent/Sussex border, I love going to different grounds and enjoying the football (with a pint afterwards) at non-League grounds around the region. In the summer, I support Sussex CCC.
I am now semi-retired, which has given me the opportunity to follow the FA Trophy for the 2021-22 season, although I must thank my wife for her patience as she had to listen to me prattling on about my adventures week after week.
Non-League football has been one of the many adventures and fun things I have managed to enjoy in my life. I’ll tell you more about my life in the book if you can face the dreadful puns that I occasionally use.
