A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Whitehawk
FAT 3RQ v Chipstead (a) 1-2
Favourite moment
Meeting the young lady supporting Whitehawk in a shrimp outfit. I was never clear why she wore the shrimp outfit or whether it only came out for cup ties. Still, it was novel and added to the pre-match banter.
Interesting fact
Having visited Whitehawk on a number of occasions before the Chipstead tie, I already knew about their novel chants. “The referee is a referee” sticks in my head. Whitehawk came with a great bunch of supporters.
Magic moment
I was able to witness an Egyptian international no less, performing in the Whitehawk defence.
Not only that Adam el Abd curled a beauty in the top corner to give Whitehawk a 1-0 half-time lead. It turned out not to be enough as Chipstead hit back to win 2-1.
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.
