Wellingborough Town - Proper Football Awayday

Doughboys deliver the delight on Derby Day!

NPL Midlands Division Attendance - 792

Derby day is always a momentous occasion and the Proper Football boys were treated to a proper rivalry as we embarked on our travels once again, this time pitching up at the The Dog & Duck Stadium, home of Wellingborough Town. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining cats & dogs making suitable weather for ducks, we were instead graced with glorious sunshine, adding a buoyant spring to our step equally as evident as the spring-like weather. After clambering through the turnstiles, it was clear to see from the very off that the club possesses an enviable set-up, further highlighted by the

Immaculate playing surface, so much so that you’d be forgiven for thinking we were attending a game much earlier in the season.

Overlooking the playing surface is the main seated stand, supported by the remaining stands that are all safe standing areas providing the football purist with a traditional feel at what is a ground steeped in history and tradition. Complimented by an outdoor food kiosk serving up some proper footy nosh and an indoor bar where fans can whet their whistle before, during and after the match action, it’s safe to say the facilities on offer surpass the requirements of any prospective visitors.

The man behind our visit, from whom we received an exceptionally warm and friendly welcome, was Match Day Secretary and long-time associate of the club, Steve Galloway. Steve has a long-standing connection and history with the club, having started out as many of us do, as a Dad on the sidelines cheering on his boy, who at the time was playing in the youth ranks. Fast forward to the present day and Steve provides a safe pair of hands along with innovative solutions, helping to grow the club’s profile and move forward, as it looks to attract more acclaim and not to mention a stronger following to The Dog & Duck Stadium. Steve was kind enough to step in front of the Proper Football cameras to reveal all about his connection with the club, the challenges the club and wider non-league community can face and also his wishes for the future of his beloved Wellingborough Town.

After our glimpse of what the future potentially holds for the club, we were introduced to a man known locally as ‘Mr Wellingborough Town’ in what turned out to be a historical, educational journey tapping into a wealth of experience and knowledge. In my experience, you find this type of individual at many clubs, where they quite literally live and breathe the club, and nobody that I’ve ever encountered embodies this spirit and profile more than club secretary Mick. It quickly became clear to me that we were in the presence of a man who holds this club dearly close to his heart and was kind enough to tell a tale or two on his 60+ year association with the club. Quizzed by Darren, Mick shared an insight into the life of a club stalwart having held just about every role within the club presented to him over the years, plus why he still

holds a passion for the club and his role within.

Such is the close proximity of these two clubs; with only 5 miles separating them, the Derby day atmosphere was building ahead of kick-off. Burgers and beers were being knocked out and consumed like there was no tomorrow, with fans enjoying their pre-match delights and sharing their predictions for the game ahead. Non-league, for me, is all about the connections between different sets of fans, in that you can have a conversation about a shared love of football and enjoy a pint together whilst still maintaining the rivalry that fuels our passion and love for the game.

Of course, allegiances then kick in as the game gets underway, with both sets of fans raucously channelling their inner 12th man, willing their teams to make the all-important breakthrough. A competitively contested start to the game saw both sides cancelling each other out for large parts, with both defences well-organised and standing firm. A continuation of full-blooded challenges expected in a derby ensured this one remained a captivating spectacle - both sides created the odd chance with some decent deliveries into either box; however, with the first half coming to a close, it was a tale of two dominant defences. A more open second half provided far more goal-mouth action; however, neither side was clinical enough to break the deadlock. That, of course, was until a glorious edge-of-the-area strike, from the moment he hit it, found the back of the net as the clock ticked into the 94th minute. The Doughboys had stolen it at the death with what turned out to be one of the last touches of the game and naturally, the home crowd erupted into vivacious celebration.

Whilst celebrations of the match-winning goal could be heard far and wide, a common theme kept rearing its head during our time at Wellingborough Town, with many that we spoke to bemoaning the lack of support within the local area for the club. After further probing to understand the data that supports this notion, proof does, unfortunately, seem to be in the pudding - with a town population of approximately 60,000 and an average gate this season of around 250; understandably, this subject kept popping up. Now, not all of the town’s population will be football fans, of course. However, my intuition would tell me that the majority are spending their time following clubs higher up the pyramid; many, I would hazard a guess, are doing so from their armchairs. That then presented the question of why this is and why said individuals don’t go to physically watch football and support their local club. Whilst I do not have a definitive answer to that, I’m sure I’m not alone in my suspicion that the ‘modern’ football fan prefers the comfort of their armchair when taking in their football fix.

A person who this description certainly does not apply is club volunteer Amanda. Front and centre at full time leading the celebrations, I knew from observing her passionate celebratory cries that I had to speak with her. Considered part of the furniture having held various roles since the start of her involvement with the club, Amanda far surpasses what you would expect in a club volunteer. Willing to take on any job thrown at her, Amanda really puts in the graft - her passion for the club, her role and non-league football as a whole is immensely admirable. Bringing with her a beaming ear-to-ear smile, bags of charisma and natural charm, Amanda joined us in front of the Proper Football cameras, touching on her love for the club and her leading role in what the club is going to be doing in the community in the near future to fulfil the objective of drawing more fans to The Dog & Duck Stadium.

With the 3 points and local derby bragging rights secured, match-winner Tom Laciofano was kind enough to give up some of his time for a post-match chat. Reflecting on his last-gasp winner having only been on the pitch a matter of minutes

before securing the points for his team, Tom provided an insight into the life of a non-league player, his love for the game at all levels and how he stays motivated while juggling his football and everyday life commitments.

With our day coming to a close, it was time to reflect on what was a thoroughly enjoyable day - we were lucky enough to be able to meet some truly amazing people at what is a club that gives so much to the local community and provides a home from home for fans young and old. With teams right through the age groups, Wellingborough Town and all associated with the club deserve immense respect and acclaim as they provide the pathway for the next generation to flourish. Such is their continuation to the local community, sometimes the clubs that give us so much need something in return - the very existence of clubs like Wellingborough Town relies on its volunteers giving up their spare time, undertaking roles without which the club would not be here. Providing a safe space and solitary outlet for many, it’s time for the local football community to come together to support and contribute to this great club. After a solid season a step higher than last, this is a club on the up with exciting times ahead, so I challenge all within the local area with an interest in football to take themselves down to The Dog & Duck Stadium on a match day - you will not be disappointed.

A personal heartfelt thank you must go to the club for having us and we wish everyone at the club the very best for the remainder of the season and beyond!