A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Wrexham
FAT SF v Stockport Count (H) 2-0
FAT Final v Bromley (Wembley) 0-1
Favourite moment
The semi-final against Stockport County was a tense and closely-fought match. The two goals by Paul Mullin, both in added time, were two of the best goals that you will ever see. The first was a delicate chip, and the second needed delicate control before lobbing the keeper. I have seen some crowd celebrations, but the Wrexham fans were in great voice.
Interesting fact
Besides having a magical weekend in Wrexham, Wrexham had other reasons to be associated with magic. I booked a ticket to see a magician, but he was so good that he disappeared into thin air – I couldn’t find the venue! The Magic Dragon pub offered a magical pint, although I had the pleasure of drinking a pint of Wrexham Lager, which was apparently the last drink served on the Titanic. Well, I never.
Magic moment
The night before the semi-final against Stockport County was an enjoyable night in the Royal Oak pub. I heard tales of Wrexham’s bygone glories as well as
meeting a relative of Arfon Griffiths, the most famous son of Wrexham FC. As I left the Royal Oak, I received an unexpected hug from Stacey, the landlady. Now, that hasn’t happened too often before.
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.
