It is getting TOWARDS (we’re not there yet!) “that” time of the year and as always I remember that Noddy Holder is famous for two things. Firstly “that” chant, “It’s Chhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhristmasssss” and secondly, but more importantly because they supported The Shirt Project way back in 2009. A close friend, Mike Haynes from Coys Cars in Alicante knew them from their schooldays and got Bjorn a signed shirt. Top guys.

In other news, Gillingham beat the plastics in Milton Keynes and we now find ourselves just two points outside the play-offs whilst FC Deportivo Galicia got a huge win at Staines & Lammas in Addlestone. To say it was cold is an understatement but I saw brass monkeys wearing multiple layers of thermals. The Bard himself, Mr Wm. Shakespeare wrote about Abbey Rangers’ ground in King Lear, “This blighted-heath.” He could also have noted the almost total lack of public transport but I guess he was more concerned about pizza. “Pizza, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e’er loved, or father found A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable. Beyond all manner of so much I love you.” Thought that summed up my thoughts on pizza quite well.

Thinking of my love-hate relationship with the Combined Counties League, I continue, “Time shall unfold what plights cunning hides; who covers faults, at last with shame derides. Well may you prosper.’

Darren has been on his travels again and I’d encourage you to check his video at Rugby Borough where he claims it was cold too. I bet my brass monkeys are colder than his.

Christian is on his travels too but in his case he’s checking the charms of Bella Napoli! Yes, he is in sunny Italy in the city where Maradona is still deified. Buon viaggio, amico. Bring us a slice of pizza. Naples – The Birthplace of Pizza and therefore the most important city on the planet. I won’t quote Mr Sh again but you get the picture! In other news, Christian has been practising his David Attenboroughs. In an award ceremony more important than the Oscars, Emmies and Baftas combined, we have a winner! “I was incredibly excited and nervous to attend the Football Content Awards at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. To be nominated as a finalist was amazing but to come out on top and pick up the gold was beyond words. I still can’t believe it today, forever grateful. Here’s to 2025 and lots more non league content.”

…and so say all of us. Well done, champion. I note with a certain amount of irony that he is not the only person to come away from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with a big win recently. I also ponder whether that’s the only silverware that will be seen in North London this season!

To round up, thanks to those who have supported O-M in his quest to collect 4,600 programmes. That is ONE programme, PER club, PER season from 1967 onwards. I think we filled almost 400 gaps in the last fortnight. Thanks to everyone. If you want to assist just ping him on Facebook.

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