Leicester St Andrews FC - Proper Football Awayday!

Five-goal rout galvanises Drew’s promotion push!

The ever elusive Saturday that we spend all week waiting for finally graced us with its presence again and the Proper Football team, as usual took full advantage, setting off on our travels once more. Leicester St Andrews’ aptly named Canal Street ground was my destination of choice, visiting what is yet another prime example of a well-run community club within the non-league pyramid.

After passing over the picturesque canal bridge, entry to the ground is via the historic ‘Scott Bates Turnstile’ which after clambering through, you find yourself pitchside, overlooking the fantastically well-maintained playing surface, something I was reliably informed the groundsman had been tending to since 7am on the day in preparation for the fixture ahead.

Just to the right is a small, well kept and maintained seated stand with an old-school, traditional feel about it. This is then supported by the other stands all being safe standing areas, a commodity that any readers of my previous articles will know I am a huge fan of. Accompanied by a clubhouse serving up all sorts of delights, from hot food and drink to the ever popular selection of beers and various other alcoholic beverages, a staple of many a football follower, it’s safe to say the foundations for a fantastic day for anyone visiting are evidently in place.

If there was ever a need for a further incentive to visit Leicester St Andrews on the day - with it being the club’s final home game, Brett the chairman was offering fans free admission as a thank you for their support, thus further demonstrating the commitment this club shows to its people and the wider community.

The man behind our visit, who, along with his dedicated team, provided an unbelievably warm and hospitable welcome, was the chairman of the club, Brett. Brett has a long-standing history with the club spanning the entirety of his life, having been introduced to the club by his Father and Uncle, who actually founded the club himself in the 1970s. From a very young age, Brett was blooded into the club taking on various roles that have seen him grow from ball boy as a youngster to the present

day, where he is, of course, chairman (and not to mention a number of memories and stories curated along the way). As Brett and his family’s input grew, so did the club - progressing from the local leagues in which they won the majority of honours, the club now find themselves in the MFL Division 1 at step 6 and have secured themselves a play off position, harbouring hopes of being yet another step higher next season. Not only was Brett kind enough to welcome me on the day, he also stepped in front of the Proper Football cameras, providing us with an insight into the workings of the club, its long standing history and how things are shaping up for the future.

After tapping into Brett’s knowledge and testing his memory (which more than stood up to the task by the way), I was introduced to a man known locally as ‘good old Geoff.’ Thought of very highly by all within the club, Geoff, with a 50+ year love affair with football as a whole brings a wealth of expertise, experience and willingness to the club and the numerous roles he covers. Having worked for a number of clubs over the years, when Geoff says he considers Leicester St Andrews the best he’s ever worked with, that speaks volumes about the club and how much it means to him.

Representing the club with his heart on his sleeve and embodying the spirit instilled in the club, Geoff gave up more of his time for a chat with me bringing the self-proclaimed ‘eye candy,’ bags of natural charisma and not to mention a tale or two from yesteryear.

Family connections run through the heart of this club, right from the origins of Brett’s family founding the club, all the way through to the present day. Another quintessential example of this is the first team Gaffer, Ross. Son of good old Geoff, Ross shares the same passion and dedication that has clearly been instilled in him. Having fallen foul of ill health recently, this only goes to heighten the commitment he shows to the club, being back in his role only a short time after a difficult period health-wise. Such is the ‘one big family’ ethos of this club, Ross was supported through his recovery by the club, in particular Brett, and as such, was very keen to get back to his role as soon as physically achievable. What was clear to me is that as an individual, Ross possesses an iron-like will and has that all important winning mentality that any manager needs to succeed. Setting examples like he has to beat the challenges he has faced, returning to the club to lead from the front sends a message to the players that in the face of adversity and in difficult times, you find a way through, whilst still achieving the required results. Now looking to the future, Ross emotionally shares his

journey with me in the below interview, whilst touching on how he sees the future for him and the club unfolding.

The future was a key theme during my visit, and a man very well placed to provide an insight on just how the club prepares for the future in terms of nurturing and blooding in the next generation was the current U14 manager and Welfare Officer, Carl. The work undertaken by Carl and all of the other youth coaches is held in such high regard within the club, such is the club’s ambition not only to ensure there is a talented crop of players progressing through the age groups but also ensuring they provide those who benefit from the club’s fantastic facilities and approach with the right mindset and pathway for all future endeavours. Finding the balance to remain competitive whilst keeping things fun is no easy task. However, it’s one that Carl and the club clearly excel at on all levels. Carl was kind enough to share the methods that he and the club deploy to ensure they can do this on a consistent basis in the interview below.

Having been spoilt for choice on people wanting to speak with me on the day further demonstrating the welcoming nature and ambition of the people within to represent the club in such a positive way, I almost forgot there was a game taking place! Allexton & New Parks were the opposition, making the short trip to Canal Street in what is considered locally as a derby. Derby Day is always a special occasion, especially with so much still to play for, and the match did not disappoint. We were blessed with goals-a-plenty as the home side not only ran out dominant 5-2 winners but also, due to favourable results elsewhere, managed to secure 3rd spot, entitling them to a home advantage in the playoff semi-final.

Naturally, there was a buoyant and joyous atmosphere in the air as fans, players and staff alike celebrated what is another huge step forward for this great club. With the tunes pumping out of the clubhouse, the upcoming band booked for the evening entertainment tuning up and the good times flowing, it’s clear to see why so many that I spoke with on the day class this as the best club they have ever been involved with. Thankfully though, there was still time for another interview, step forward U18 manager John. Similar to Carl, his passion for the club and the desire to see the youth

setup success is immensely admirable - having run junior teams for 8 years now, he’s not stopping there with future plans for himself and those he helps along the way at the forefront of his mind. Also touching on how he finds enjoyment from the club, this was, like all the other interviews on the day, a really insightful and interesting chat.

Following what was a thoroughly enjoyable day, I’ve had time to reflect on what I saw and I cannot speak of the club as a whole highly enough. Leicester St Andrews is the heartbeat of the local community and, with their family-orientated ethos, is at the very centre of everything positive about the area. Not only have Brett and his team managed to assemble a competitive playing squad, having enjoyed an exceptionally successful season on the pitch, but they have managed to expertly balance this by providing fans young and old with a local football club bursting with atmosphere and character - something that all connected with the club should be immensely proud of. Leicester St Andrews truly is one of the non-league’s hidden gems, providing all of the above and a nurturing, safe space for the youth, without which they would not have such life-changing opportunities.

A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone at the club for having me; I wish you all the very best for your playoff campaign and look forward to hopefully watching you a step higher next season!

Full coverage of the match can be found below.