By Chelmsford City midfielder Scott Davies
WITH six matches played, the league is starting to take some sort of shape. Of course it’s still very early days and impossible to say who will be in and around it come the end of April, but there are some sides that have clearly made some good business decisions this summer.
Having won four of our first five matches, it was only away at Wealdstone the weekend before last where we started to see the ‘real’ us. Things started to fall into place, and it was a day where you could say everyone came to the party.
Firstly, I’d like to mention how disappointed I was to see Gordon Bartlett step down from his position as Wealdstone manager less than 48 hours after the match. A real gent, who gave me the opportunity to ply my trade back in the Conference at a very well-run club.
I feel as though he’s a victim of his own success after having been so close to achieving the play-offs last season, but, hey, that’s just my opinion. I wish him all the best in his next steps in football, whether it be at Wealdstone or elsewhere, he’ll be a great addition wherever he is.
I was quite astonished by some things that I heard shouted from the fans at Grosvenor Vale. ‘Someone break Davies’ leg’ was one shout followed by another of, ‘Go and have a bet Davies’. A small minority trying to impress those around them I guess.
At our level, football isn’t our livelihoods, it’s something we do part-time, but having said that, it’s definitely a job that most of us take seriously.
So if I were to break my leg, how would it affect me? For starters, my Monday to Friday job would be a task too big. I’d be out of pocket and it would affect me hugely financially.
Even at 29, football gets me through the week. I don’t love it any less than I did when playing it down the park as a child, or playing at the highest level that I have. It’s all the same to me.
And to the other comment that was made, for a problem that I overcame whilst being a Wealdstone player in 2015, I felt was very unjust and lacked real understanding. It was a time in my life where I was at my lowest ebb, and had terrible thoughts in my head. Something I don’t need to go into here. So why were these comments made? Because I was fouled and was lying on the floor, and for no other reason. I’ve never been one to cheat, and never will. It’s crazy to see how fickle fans can be on the flip side of the coin when you’re now playing against them.
It’s also very important to appreciate the support we get at this level too, and how nice it is that we can socialise in the bar after matches and talk about the game.
At higher level it’s very much separate which saddens me. I never felt as though I was too important to mix in with fans at the end of the game when playing in the Football League, and I’m sure others would agree.
It’s vital fans mix with the players
I WENT to watch Chesham United against Banbury United last Tuesday night, and after the game I watched a little boy called Alfie wait by the tunnel to have his programme signed by the players.
It meant the absolute world to him, and to watch his face afterwards was special. The programme wouldn’t cost you any more than it did originally now it has the signatures, but a small act of kindness can go a long way to putting a smile on a young supporter’s face.
I think sometimes we forget how important Non-League football is to people, but fortunately I’ve had the pleasure of playing for two of the better supported sides in the division in Chelmsford City and Wealdstone and have got to know the backroom staff. I’ve witnessed first hand just what it means to those who work tirelessly at the club in preparation for a Saturday afternoon.
I always try to remind others when things haven’t gone right on the pitch that day, that nobody means to make a mistake, nobody meant to misplace a pass, or miss the target.
The only thing I would moan at as a fan is if I were to see a lack of real effort applied by the team I’m following.
We all want the best for the club we play for or support, and a club that sticks together through bad times has a much better chance of success come the end of the season. Believe you me!
