A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Aylesbury United
FAT 2RQ v Chipstead (h) 1-1 (lost on pens)
Favourite moment
Visiting Aylesbury town centre and finding statues of Ronnie Barker, David Bowie (or, rather, David Bowies) and joining locals in a pub to recall the colours that Roy of the Rovers wore in his Melchester Rovers days.
Sad fact
I visited Aylesbury United’s former home in Buckingham Road. The ground is now derelict, but I hope the fabulous Ducks’ fans get their chance to return home in not too distant future #bringtheduckshome.
I’ll be back hopefully
I was made to feel very welcome at Aylesbury United. I also promised to return if Aylesbury ever get to play in their home town! Good luck, everyone.
Magic moment
Arriving at the ground and being a known person for the first time in my life! After being asked which team I supported,
I replied that I was a neutral. Someone immediately realised that I was the person on Twitter under the name @FATrophyHound who had been tweeting about the game. Some welcome!
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.
