Steve Clemence – Gillingham

It was a bit of a disappointing weekend in the steps 1/6 of the English pyramid with so many games called off. Fortunately FC Deportivo Galicia’s game was on and a last minute winner was a nice tonic. Minutes later I found Gillingham had won at Salford City in League Two so that was very welcome too.
I am not sure how many know but Steve Clememce is the new manager at the Priestfield Stadium. Yes, THAT Steve Clemence, the son of England’s great keeper, Ray Clemence. I had the pleasure of meeting Ray and Sir Trevor Brooking at Hereford as I cycled though England and Wales in 2010. Top guys!

You will note the Prostate Cancer “Man of Men” badge on Steve’s jacket. He often wears one …and there’s a reason.

Ray Clemence’s son says “People saw him as a football legend. To me he was just Dad”

Ray Clemence won more than 50 caps for his country and was a club legend at Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Scunthorpe United. He lived with prostate cancer for more than a decade and a half while tirelessly supporting our work — sporting our Man of Men badge, gracing the front of Insights magazine twice, and walking and talking with hundreds of our supporters at March for Men. Ray sadly passed away in November 2020.  

Stephen and his family were blown away by the support from the football family after Ray’s death. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, England and Scunthorpe United all played very personal tributes following the news. 

Stephen said: “My memories of my dad will last forever, and we had such a wonderful relationship. A lot of people see him as this England, Liverpool and Tottenham legend, but for me he was just my dad. 

“The tributes that came after he died were a source of great comfort to our family. For so many people to show such love and support was wonderful and we will always remember that universal outpouring of grief, and the messages that followed.”

“The fact nobody has a bad word to say about my dad says so much. Whenever he went back to Anfield or White Hart Lane, he mixed with the old players and they all just loved him. He was a big character in the dressing room at both of those clubs and those relationships live on now.” 

“For so many people to show such love and support was wonderful and we will always remember that universal outpouring of grief, and the messages that followed.”

Football would unsurprisingly play a big part in Ray and Stephen’s relationship, and in latter years they would enjoy golfing breaks too, always with a competitive edge.  

He continued: “I always remember dad taking me on the pitch before the FA Cup final in 1987. I was only nine years old, and I think dad thought it would be the last time he played at Wembley, which it was. He managed to get me on the pitch and there was a few of the other players’ sons that got on the pitch as well.  That was a great experience.” 

“Growing up we used to talk all the time about football, and I remember when I was younger one of the first pieces of advice he gave me was to not be a goalkeeper!”

“There were times in my playing career when my mind wasn’t right or I wasn’t playing well, but he was always able to say something to help me concentrate. He really helped me . 

“When I was playing and he was watching, at the end of the game, I’d look up to the stand where my mum and dad were and if he was looking at me, I knew I’d probably done alright as he’d give me a little nod of approval.  If he was looking away, then I was in trouble. So I definitely valued his opinion.” 

“He was such a great man, full of so much knowledge and you couldn’t not listen to him. He lit up every room he was in. He was competitive, just like me, and was a great laugh too.” 

“He was also so positive too despite the hand he was dealt. There were times he was struggling, and we worked hard to pick him up. But no one outside our family unit would have known that.” 

One of Ray’s final ambassadorial acts for us was to greet the walkers at the end of Jeff Stelling’s 2019 four-nation March for Men, handing out medals and posing for photographs as selflessly as ever. 

Stephen added: “My dad was a tireless campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK for many years, and it’s a cause that me and my family will continue to support. So I’m so proud and grateful that Jeff Stelling will be marching to honour his memory this year and I’m so glad Spurs and Liverpool are involved. Me and my family are looking forward to supporting his efforts. 

“Prostate cancer is a devastating disease. We are an incredibly close family, and it was so hard for all of us see him suffer, but he never moaned, never complained. He was the strongest man I’ve ever known. 

“Whenever I see Prostate Cancer UK’s Man of Men badge, I think of my dad. I think the charity has really helped to make progress, and Jeff’s been a great supporter of the charity for many years now. We were all very touched at his tribute to my dad on Soccer Saturday. The fact they met each other at the end of Jeff’s last march makes it extra poignant too. 

“My dad was a tireless campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK for many years. Whenever I see the Man of Men badge, I think of Dad.”

Tragically Steve and his family are not alone. One male in eight will be affected by Prostate Cancer.
I hope you, dear reader, can help.

I would be very grateful if you would consider a donation however small to support  Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and the charity would continue to fund their great work. Every single penny goes DIRECT to Prostate Cancer UK. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can donate. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer.

THANKS, Steve.

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Well, it’s Sunday so I would normally be sharing Darren’s vlogs but his trip to Flackwell Heath ….

It gives me the opportunity to spotlight this interesting new book, “Admiral 50 Years Of The Replica Shirt”
In the 1973-74 season, pioneering sportswear brand Admiral changed the British football landscape forever with the introduction and sale of the first ever replica shirt. The move sparked an explosion in football design, manufacturing and culture from the early 1970s through to the present day, a journey that in 2024 has been chronicled in a commemorative, limited edition coffee table-style book, which goes on sale today.

Blending newly commissioned photography with archive images, original design sketches and contributions from collectors, presented with Glory’s hallmark approach to design, the book also features:

• Longer-form essays on notable kits and their context from some of football’s best writers, including Harry Pearson, Rob Bagchi, Daniel Gray, Andi Thomas, Ian King and Ian Plenderleith;
• Contributions from famous fans including Maisie Adam, Mark & Paul Watson, James Brown and Guy Mowbray;
• Academic insight into the design, manufacturing and socially pioneering nature of shirts from Professors Jean Williams and Andrew Groves;
• Recollections from players and managers who have worn them, including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Sue Smith, Peter Shilton, Roy Hodgson, Viv Anderson, Mark Hateley, and many more; and
• A comprehensive illustrated Admiral kit directory by designer John Devlin

Marking the first year of replica shirt sales, an initial 1,974 individually numbered, hardback books are now on sale on a pre-order basis, These will be the only books of this type produced, before a softback version is released for retail later in 2024.

John Devlin wrote, “This book by Admiral commemorating 50 Years of the Replica Shirt and their crucial role in it is going to be something REALLY special! I was thrilled to be asked to contribute illustrations for the shirt directory at the back of the book – which will all be in my new style.” Follow John on Twitter

PRE-ORDER HERE

My Favourite Retro Brentford Shirt

Obviously a lot of clubs now look to the retro market as another source of income/as another way to fleece fans. QPR have had spectacular success with theirs and Copa have brought out some absolute class shirts for many sides. I have a fantastic Brentford retro shirt I got in Amsterdam recently and they have done great work for AS Roma, Juve, Porto and Portsmouth among others.

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Well, it’s Saturday again and that can only mean that Darren is off to a game and we’ll be following his exploits tomorrow and that FC Deportivo Galicia’s gallant youths will have continued their season. Today it was Windsor FC who I have always liked if nothing else for their fantastic kits. Now, I know “love is blind” and that anybody saying they like something is entirely subjective but look at these beauties!

The Windsor team has had a pretty tough season but are safe from any relegation fears with Hillingdon Borough and Holmer Green unlikely to catch up. Before today they had amassed only three away wins and altogether had conceded 89 goals (Amersham have conceded 30!)

Probably the bigger story of the day is the FA writing to step 5 & 6 clubs telling them that the season will NOT be extended. Now, that’s a bit of an issue as some clubs have almost twenty games left to play! Hillingdon Borough have I think 19, London Colney not many less and Westside in Step 5 have only played 20 league games this season because of their cup runs. As at 1pm today the ONLY games left on in the Combined Counties four divisions were:
Epsom Vs Sandhurst
Broadfields Vs Wallingford and Crowmarch
FC Deportivo Vs Windsor
Langley Vs Westside

(..and Hillingdon Borough have wisely arranged a 7pm KO at neutral Bedfont Sports against British Airways just to squeeze a game in on the artificial turf.)

So, that’s going to add a huge number of problems for the clubs and fixture secretaries. Somebody wrote, “The whole of S.E. England is a puddle.” I think “a pond” may be a better description.

Not the greatest game but a 2-1 win courtesy of a 90th minute own goal secured three points for the home side. Why we love football…maybe!

I would be very grateful if you would consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continues their great work. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer.

THANKS, Steve.

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Gifts In Wills

Hopefully, you will all be aware that the purpose of the Tuktuk tour is to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK. I got a regular newsletter from them today reminding me they are grateful for donations through wills. They have an important update where they can help you to help them to help you. Win-win!

“Gifts in Wills fund around 1 in 4 of our research projects. This March, we’ve partnered with the National Free Wills Network , so you can have your Will written or updated for free.

It was important for me to leave a gift in my Will, as Prostate Cancer UK need money to fund research. If I could save one life with that money, then I would have achieved the aim.”
Ron, Prostate Cancer UK legacy pledger

Ron was diagnosed with prostate cancer after noticing his PSA level rising each year. After successful treatment, he chose to leave a gift to Prostate Cancer UK in his Will. He did this by using our Free Wills Service. By leaving a gift in your Will like Ron, you can help fund long-term research to save more men’s lives.

For more information (NO personal details required), click here

I hope that the details of the free will service are helpful. Equally, whether it was or whether you have alternative arrangements I would be very grateful if you would consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continues their great work. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer.

THANKS, Steve.

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THROUGH THE TURNSTILE @ STAFFORD RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB

Yes, Christian has been on his travels again. Last time it was Cray Wanderers on the SE London border and this time he is up to Staffordshire to review Stafford Rangers FC. Like Darren’s, his reviews are proving very popular on my site so I am delighted to add his Stafford Rangers overview. I’d also like to do a BIG shout-out for Christian for raising a goodly amount for the vital “Head in The Game ” Charity this week. Congratulations, Christian. If others are not aware of the reason for my tuktuk tour, please see the final paragraph below for details of my challenge.

“Welcome back to Through the Turnstile, the series that shines the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. In this installment we go through the turnstile at Stafford Rangers, a club that received quite a few nominations when the question was asked about who and where we should cover, so lets find out all about the club, the team and most importantly the food and drink!”

A brief history of the Club

Stafford Rangers Football Club, a semi-professional English team, competes in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, donning black and white stripes with black shorts. Rivalries include Tamworth, Hednesford Town, Burton Albion, and Telford United.

Founded in 1876 (or possibly 1877), Rangers experienced early success, reaching the FA Cup First Round in 1884–85 and 1885–86. Post-war, the club faced financial struggles but rebounded in the 1960s under manager Colin Hutchinson. The ’70s marked their most successful era with a Northern Premier League Championship, FA Trophy, and Staffordshire Senior Cup treble in 1971–72.

The ’80s saw decline, followed by a resurgence in the ’90s under manager Ron Reid. The team’s fortunes fluctuated, with highs like the FA Trophy win in 1979 and lows such as relegation in 1995–96.

In the 21st century, Stafford Rangers achieved promotion to the fifth tier in 2006, won the Staffordshire Senior Cup in 2005, and competed in the Conference North. They faced managerial changes, financial uncertainties, and relegations. Notably, in the 2015/16 season, they secured promotion to the NPL Premier Division.

Recent years saw managerial changes, with Steve Burr, Alex Meechan, Andy Fearn, and Jody Banim taking charge. Matt Hill, appointed in 2020, left in November 2023, leading to the appointment of ex-Nantwich manager Dave Cooke in November 2023, known for achieving play-off finishes, FA Cup first round appearances, and Cheshire Senior Cup victories.

To learn more, read the whole review and see Christian’s famous drinks and food ratings, click here

I hope that these reviews are helpful and if so I would be very grateful if you would consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continued their great work. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer. THANKS, Steve.

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Grow your Club

One of the most viewed posts on this site was an in-depth overview about fundraising by Rich Stock.

I thanked him for the valuable content and he thanked me for showcasing it. Win-win. Just the way I like it! We have kept in contact and he kindly sent me another two guides today which I think will be of interest to many who are keen to grow the clubs they support and manage. Thanks, Rich.

Build the best volunteering team!

Empower your volunteers with practical tips and insights, creating a supportive environment where everyone can contribute to your club’s success.
Download here

Engage your team and community.

Master the art of effective communication within your club and beyond, ensuring members stay engaged and informed every step of the way

Download here

…and because I thought the fundraising guide was so important here is “another chance to enjoy” as they used to say before showing “Rambo” for the 56789th time that week on the TV!

Maximise your club’s funding.

Unlock the secrets to successful fundraising strategies, from innovative events to digital campaigns, and maximise your club’s financial potential.

Download here

 I hope that these guides are helpful and if so I would be very grateful if you would consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continued their great work. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer. THANKS, Steve.

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As you know, I am doing this tuktuk tour to support Prostate Cancer UK and FC Deportivo Galicia.
Obviously, I was delighted to receive updates from David at Prostate Cancer Headquarters about Non League Day.

“We hope you’re keeping well Steve. It’s been a while since we’ve been in touch about our work in football – sorry about that! But, we have some exciting news…

On 23rd March, during the international break, we’re celebrating a decade in partnership with Non-League Day – and you can get involved!


As Jeff Stelling, MBE says “Non-League Day is an important and influential campaign. Something I’ll always back.”

From wig-wearing, branded armbands, crossbar challenges, badge-wearing, matchday collections and epic walks to grounds the day has always caught the imagination of fans and clubs alike.

Jeff Stelling’s beloved Hartlepool United head to Eastleigh on Non-League Day this year. Where will you be?

Help us make this year our biggest yet. Find out what we’re getting up to and how you can make a difference.” *

David
Football Fundraising Team

*I shall be at FC Deportivo Galicia who host Oxhey Jets on the day. Combined Counties, First Division.

You can read more general information about both Non League Day and Sunday League Day I have been invited to Caversham United that day. I’m looking forward to a Sunday game!

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Well, an interesting weekend. Chelsea fail at Wembley against “Klopps’s Kids” although few note that the average age of the Chelsea team was YOUNGER than that of Liverpool. Let’s not allow facts in the way of sports editors’ favourite storylines! Congratulations, anyway. How many pieces of silver will Klopp win in his last season on Merseyside? I think City will win the league but would not be surprised if Klopp captures all the others. We’ll know by May! Gillingham do a Gillingham (A “Spursy”?) and beat Wrexham to go back into the play-off places. A huge win and now to do a Gillingham (So”Spursy”) and struggle against lowly Salford next time out! Steve, keep the faith!

In the meantime, sad news of the deaths of both Stan Bowles and Chris Nicholl this weekend. Both legends in their own ways in British and Northern Irish football. My thoughts are with their families.

Stan Bowles 1948 – 2024 (left) and Chris Nicholl 1946 – 2024 (right)

Little Princess Trust

On a happier note, I got a lovely letter from the Little Princess Trust which I reproduce in full. For over three years I have been growing my hair to make a wig for a little girl. I had it cut at Academy Studios last week and thought that was the end of it but no….

“Thank you very much for your wonderful hair donation. We can confirm that it has safely arrived!

Thank you for providing your email address which we have used to send you the attached certificate as a small token of our heartfelt thanks. 

Last year, our charity provided almost 2,000 real hair wigs, free of charge, to young people who lost their hair through cancer treatment and other conditions. It is only thanks to kind people like you that this was possible

We would love to stay in touch about our latest news, fundraising events and appeals.

Thank you!”

Nice when people say, “THANKS!” I appreciate them. This leads me to thanking those who have already supported this tuktuk tour. Thanks to those who choose to show their names and also to the anonymous ones. A BIG shout out this week for Steve Jennings who very kindly donated several hundred Birmingham City programmes to the cause. He says he was very happy to support such a great cause and reminded me that he is always on the look out for Birmingham City programmes from the 40s and 50s. Guys, can you please check your collections? I will be delighted to put you in contact if you think you have anything of interest. THANKS!

In the meantime, I hope that you will consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK  If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continued their great work. A HEARTFELT thanks, if you can. If you can’t you can still help massively by sharing this page about the work of Prostate Cancer. THANKS, Steve.

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So, it’s Sunday and that can only mean one thing*. Intrepid Darren Ashley has been on his travels again. His vlogs are becoming very popular and many are going over to view the vlog on his YT channel. You can subscribe at no cost to see the updates. Yesterday he was at Stotfold and by all accounts was well looked after again. The POWER of non-league.

* Actually two things to ponder, Why did my beloved FC Deportivo Galicia throw away a 3-0 half-time lead at Westside? Whey we love football (sometimes) number #537343

So, let’s see what Darren says…

“This weeks destination for the filming of the vlog was Stotfold FC, for their Step 4 Southern League Division 1 Central clash with Ware FC.

With the awful rain all around this week, I fully expected to be watching a match on a 3G surface for the 4th week running, but was delighted to find a match that was a very reachable distance to get to that was to be played on grass.

I initiated contact with the club via X, particularly with manager Brett Donnelly, just to make sure it was all ok to film.

Brett was great, replying that they were happy to have me and would be happy to help out with interviews etc.

Matchday, and I got to the ground nice and early, and, almost straight away, the club was very helpful with a steward called Paul telling me about the club and being happy to film my opening link to the vlog.

As he was doing this, the, as I soon found out, the wonderful chairman Rob Parkin appeared in shot, and once the initial filming was done, i was introduced to Rob, and, he took me into the ground and showed me around.

Honestly, he couldn’t have been kinder, allowing as much access as I wanted, and that even included going onto the pitch to film various links.

I had to somehow get him on camera for an interview, and, with a small bit of persuasion, he was happy to do it.

After initial filming was done, I had a little walk around the ground Stotfold ground, New Roker Park, where I met Brett properly for the first time, and, also Paul Halsey, the Ware manager, who was walking his dog around the ground whilst his team were warming up

They were happy to have a few words on camera at Full Time, no matter the result, although Paul told me he would be pushed for time as he was off to Arsenal that evening.

You know what though, Paul actually waited around for me when it was time for the interview, which was very classy of him, and yet another reason why I now find Non League the absolute best.

Onto kick off time now, in what must be said, a very unusually warm and sunny February afternoon.

Now you know this next bit by now…..I won’t write any words on the match itself,as i hope you will give the matchday vlog a bit of a watch…where the link will be found in the comments!

Half time arrives, and I made my way into the boardroom, pre arranged with Rob, where I was treated to coffee and biscuits.

I think I was enjoying the hospitality too much because, I nearly forgot to film my brief half time link.

It’s not easy to talk when all I was doing was eating and drinking.

Onto the second half now, and, half way through it, I had to move my position from the main stand to the other side of the ground, as my phone was struggling to pick up any clear action due to the brightness of the sun.

It was around that side where, for the first time all day, I had contact with Ware supporters.

The ones I spoke too were all a good lot, and we all had pretty much the same thoughts on what we thought of the match… a couple of them also were asking whether I would do a vlog at their ground…..of course I would, if invited.

So… the final whistle goes, on, what I thought as a neutral, a really enjoyable match.

I sought out the managers ( by the way, they were a couple of decent fella’s and a laugh too) for the interview’s and once again, went to the boardroom where I was offered drinks and curry.

I couldn’t turn that down, but I did make a schoolboy error, as I sent a quick video to my partner Melanie, showing her how well I was being treated and what I was eating.

Her simple reply was “ I hope that’s not your dinner as I’m cooking it now. “

Ware FC

What else could I say other than, don’t worry, I will eat my dinner when I get home….although, even then, I was pretty stuffed!!

Time to leave then, but I had to find Rob one last time to thank him and his club for their amazing amazing hospitality.

I cannot recommend Stotfold FC to visit highly enough for ground hoppers, yet a had mixed feelings as I left as I really want them to progress, yet, at the same time, not too much, so they could retain the charm and community spirit which they clearly have.

Thanks for reading.”

Thanks, Darren, we all look forward to next week’s adventures.

In the meantime I hope you are all enjoying the tour of the UK and I that you will consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continued their great work.


This week we have lost the Maverick Stan Bowles who was one of those players who fans of all clubs would love. My thoughts are with him and his family and friends.

Stan Bowles R.I.P.

… and now a little rant! Yet another club encouraging me to buy their FOURTH kit! Now, I happen to have a soft spot for all the Madrid clubs, think all the Atleti shirts are quite attractive but NOBODY needs four shirts in a season. Nobody. It is done solely to fleece the fans. Do NOT bite the hand that feeds you. Guys, enough is enough or as they say in Spain. ¡Basta Ya!

Atletico de Madrid’s FOURTH limited edition kit – ridiculous

First and Second Kit 23/24

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It’s Sunday and a day of contemplation. Why are Arsenal going to blow it ….again? Why are Gillingham going to go up as champions …again (cf 1964!) “Why does Saigon sleep at night, why do the Gooners talk such xxite? Vietnam You don’t give answers, do you friend?” No I am not thinking of Miss Saigon and today I am mostly contemplating North East Lincolnshire. Yes, that hotbed of football excellence ….not! Fortunately I am helped by a dear friend and Grimsby advocate, Russ Pearce who otherwise can be found chasing football games in such unlikely places as Catral (Spain), Nicaragua, Falmar and pretty much anywhere else on the planet! It is a true pleasure to read his thoughts.

Football in North East Lincolnshire

Welcome to North East Lincolnshire, a hotbed of what is, let’s face it, pretty mediocre football these days. The fans, however, are very, very passionate despite the current mediocrity.

Most people think of Grimsby Town when they think of football in this region. That’s hardly surprising as they are the only current Football League club and it’s likely to stay that way so long as the Mariners can keep themselves out of the bottom two of League two! Blundell Park is not the fortress it once was, but ask anyone who the best away fans in the division are, and a lot will say that honour belongs to Grimsby Town. Think of inflatable haddocks which have made appearances at Premier League grounds lover the years in famous cup ties, beginning in 1989 with a trip to then-FA Cup-holders Wimbledon, through to last season’s amazing run to the quarter finals where the famous fish was seen (despite initially being banned) at an incredible VAR-assisted last-16 victory at Southampton followed by a thrashing at Brighton leaving many wondering what would have happened if Brighton’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had been sent off early in the game for handling the ball outside his area.

Go back, ahem, almost 90 years and you’ll find Grimsby sitting pretty in 5^th place in the top flight and reaching two FA Cup semi-finals. In 1939 they lost to Wolves in what is still the highest attendance ever at old Trafford. Until the formation of the Premier League, they had played in every division ever created in the English league system having been in both the Northern and Southern regions of the old third division. Recent years have been traumatic and turbulent with a long spell in non-league but brighter days are surely on the horizon with new ownership under the guidance of local businessman Jason Stockwood. The days of John Fenty are finally over but the poor investment in the club means they still have a lot to do to stay in League Two and not return to non-league football once again.

So who are the other teams in North East Lincolnshire? Well, don’t mention Scunthorpe United because they are in North Lincolnshire. A subtle difference! Other than being the only place in the UK with a genuine swear word in their name, they are of little relevance, and even less so these days as they compete with the likes of Rushall Olympic and Curzon Ashton in the National League North!

Clive Mendonca – A Legend at Grimsby Town and then Charlton Athletic

Grimsby Town are famed for playing their home games in Cleethorpes. You may or may not be surprised to learn that Cleethorpes Town play their home games in Grimsby! Having risen from pretty much park football to Tier 8 (Northern Premier League East Division), they reached the final of the FA Vase in 2017 resulting in a trip to Wembley. A 4-0 defeat to South Shields wasn’t the result everyone wanted but what a day out it was for everyone concerned! A year later they moved back to their own stadium, the Linden Club, after five years at Bradley Pitches where they shared a “stadium” with Grimsby Borough, now once again rivals in the same division as they themselves have also gradually risen upwards. Cleethorpes Town have come close to rising further in recent years but Covid put paid to their amazing run and they kind of ran out of steam after the pandemic. With any luck, the turmoil of the last few seasons is behind them now and they can push onwards and upwards from here.

Russ & Trish sponsoring at Immingham

Drop down a couple more divisions and you’ll find Immingham Town. The Pilgrims, as they are known, don’t have any sort of history in the game and are currently playing away from their own home whilst it is brought back up to the standard required. They started this season with a new manager and a new squad, mostly teenagers, and struggled to get going. A few older faces were brought in and they are now making great strides towards being able to aim higher. Their manager, Jon Davy, a good friend of mine, used to be the assistant at Cleethorpes Town so he knows what it takes to take a smaller team up a step or two. Watch this space!

A hotbed of mediocrity it may be, but it’s definitely worth delving into the passion for football that North East Lincolnshire has to offer.

Cleethorpes Town at Wembley, Real Betis just down the road!

(Author – Russ Pearce of www.anythingbutpaella.com and co-ordinator of Seagulls Over Spain. Born in Sussex in 1970, he grew up in Cleethorpes before escaping at the tender age of 16 and eventually ending up living full time in Spain. His first ever Brighton game was a 5-0 defeat for the Seagulls at Blundell Park (see above) so the 5-0 win in the FA Cup last season made for some nice symmetry!!)

Russ with the Seagulls Over Spain scarf in his right hand.

I HOPE you are all enjoying the tour of the UK and I that you will consider a donation however small to support FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK If everybody chipped in £1 I would easily hit my target of £10,000 and life would be easier in West London whilst the charity continued their great work.

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