A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Stockport County
FAT R5 v Cheshunt (H) 1-0
FAT R6 v Needham Market (a) 3-0
FAT SF v Wrexham (a) 0-2
Favourite moments
Stockport County proved excellent hosts. They welcomed the supporters from Cheshunt by offering a private lounge for post-match festivities. The pre-match pint in the Prince Albert allowed me to mingle with Stockport County and Cheshunt supporters and hear some interesting tales about Stockport County. I had never realised how much Manchester City feared Stockport County.
Fun fact
I was educated. Someone told me that the nearest ground to the River Mersey is Edgeley Park. It’s a good trick question; I need to remember it! However, Stockport County playing in China was way more curious.
Magic moment
Too many to mention, but Jordan Keane’s thunderous shot that gave Stockport County at Needham Market a 2-0 lead will take some beating in terms of power. I was also quite impressed with the travelling party of Stockport fans at Needham Market, who polished off tray loads of shots before the Needham Market game. At Wrexham, it wasn’t Stockport’s day; they could easily have made the trip to Wembley.
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.
