Pic: Richard Parkes
TRUE supporters stick with their clubs through thick and thin and it’s fair to say there have been a few more thins for Stalybridge Celtic in recent years.
The highlight for Celtic and their supporters over the past five seasons was the 12th place finish in the National League North in 2015-16.
Relegation last season compounded years of struggle for the Tameside club in the competitive Step 2 division, so their fans have been put through the wringer.
But Non-League supporters are a different breed and in teenager Andrew Betts, Celtic have one of the most dedicated which is why he was named the William Hill Fan of the Year.
Affordable and filled with the passion that the Premier League often lacks, fans feel more connected to their clubs in Non-League.
People on the terraces are key to clubs at grass-roots level and they often attract the kind of die-hard supporters that stick by their side come rain or shine.
Despite being just 17, Betts has been a big part of Celtic for five years and will continue to be key as the club prepare for life in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.
Betts has been to almost all of Celtic’s home and away games over the last five seasons even though the club haven’t had a lot to shout about.
That’s not all, however, as he volunteers for pitch cleaning at Bower Fold, mans the turnstiles when needed, helps sells refreshments and also arranges supporters’ transport for away matches.
Betts said: “I’ve been going for five years and it’s a friendly family club that I felt accepted into, so much so that I wanted to start helping out around the place.
“Then I began to start running away travel as I didn’t want to get the train to away games.
“Even though it was a poor season I still enjoyed it thoroughly and I’m hoping for a better year next year.”
