A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw St Albans City
FAT 4R v Cheshunt (h) 0-3
Favourite moments
I approached someone in Verulamium Park wearing a hat that looked like it had a St Albans City FC badge on it. As I approached to make conversation, I realised it was the badge of a cycling club that shared St Albans’ colours. The man was most confused.
I was made very welcome at St Albans City. Upon arrival, I explained the purpose of my visit and was escorted to the bar for a much-needed refreshment. However, St Albans’ generosity continued throughout the afternoon. After a lively start, Cheshunt gradually got on top and ran out easy winners. A bad day at the office for St Albans, I suspect.
Fun fact
I sat near a young lad who paid scant attention to the game. “What’s the score, Grandad?” he asked. “2-0”, replied Grandad. A few minutes later, he asked if St Albans were now winning. Grandad, through clenched teeth, revealed that it was now 3-0.
Magic moment
On the Friday before the game, I had an afternoon pint in the Cock Inn. A young lady had offered a young man a date (I’ll leave you to decide what ‘a date’ might entail) if he drunk eight shots in two hours. I am not sure why he was seeking my advice, but he was clearly going to make an attempt to get his date. I’ll never know if he succeeded.
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.
