Blue Skies & 3 Points for The Millers!
As many football fans will attest to, we often find ourselves trudging the length and
the breadth of the country following our beloved clubs accompanied by the typical Great British weather, and I take my hat off to all who travel in such conditions simply for the love of the game. I however was treated to a blue sky and sunshine throughout
my visit to Carlton Town, which was not only a rarity for the month of March but an
added bonus on top of what was a thoroughly enjoyable outing.
On arrival at the ground, set in the heart of Nottinghamshire and upon entering the
clubhouse for the very first time, I received a welcome equally as warm as the ever
welcome March sunshine, immediately being made to feel part of the family by
many that consider the charismatic, atmospheric stands of the Bill Stokeld Stadium
a home from home. During my early exchanges with the Carlton Town faithful, I met
Hugo, part of the extended family of the club in that he does not live local to the
area, however travels up from his home in Dorking for a day in the area he feels
most at home in whenever he can. Naturally, this triggered my interest, and after
speaking with him, it was easy to understand just why he uses his spare time to
follow the club.
One of the most intriguing elements of a day out at the football in addition to being
somewhere completely new in this instance, is the characters that you meet, each
with their own views and tales to tell that add to the camaraderie that us away day
revellers crave. A quintessential depiction of which I managed to find in a man they
call ‘The Bear,’ a self-confessed graduate of football’s ’darker side’ who took the
time to speak with me, providing an insight into why he feels he and a number of
others are, despite his initial scepticism, gravitating towards non-league football.
The stage was then set for kick off with the players warm and readied, the dugout
graced by pacing managers of each side respectively and each club’s ever-faithful
following immovably placed in the stands in eager anticipation of the first display of
action. Such is the close proximity of the stands to the pitch, fans may as well be
part of the physical action themselves - often referred to as the ‘12th man,’ no
ground I’ve ever observed provides fans with quite the opportunity to live up to this
old epithet than the home of the Millers.
Now, anyone who has read any of my previous articles will know I’m a man who
loves value (and grub), so there’s no way I was going to let this day pass me by
without sampling the cuisine on offer and demonstrate the phenomenal value and
quality I was treated to.
Steak & Kidney Pie, Chips, Mushy peas & Gravy
Pint
-
£4.50
-
£5.50
You can even pay with Bitcoin should you so wish!
In addition to all of the aforementioned motivation to take yourself down to Carlton
Town are those without which none of it would be possible - the real non-league
grafters, devoting their time and passion to the cause, keeping the club running and
readily available to many that benefit from what the club has to offer and are able to
keep what is a solitary outlet to come alive. Casting our minds back to my arrival
and entry to the clubhouse, front and centre was club stalwart Kelly, in her element,
welcoming home and away fans alike with her natural warmth and well-honed ability
to make people feel at home. In what she classes as her ‘happy place,’ Kelly and
her team demonstrate how hospitality is done, showcasing what it means to be the
heartbeat of the club with their hard work and dedication. I was lucky enough to
catch up with the woman herself at full-time to understand just how much the club
and role means to her.
I couldn’t have planned a more fitting way to conclude my time at Carlton Town and
would like to extend my personal thanks to the club and all that took the time to
speak with me on the day. Non-league clubs like this really are the heartbeat of local
communities and are inordinately deserving of our time and support. My opinion is
that it is our duty as football fans to show support and contribute positively to our
local non-league clubs that give so much to us in so many ways - I for one could
not imagine a world without them and the community initiatives that benefit many.
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