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possible picture of the nation to help him decide if he was going to stay on permanently.

Roberts takes readers on a journey from Grimsby to Halifax, Torquay to Tranmere – and all points in between in the bizarre world of Conference South.

Bromley’s challenge begins with one win in their first seven games.

Then they hit a purple patch, winning eight of their next nine on their way to the league title and promotion to English football’s ‘fifth division’ the National League.

It’s a nicely- observed pilgrimage that takes a close look at fans, loyalty and commitment.

Dave wouldn’t give two hoots for the Champions League. Perhaps more should follow his example.

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a part of me wanting to come back and achieve something I didn’t do the last time I was here, which is win something.

“We really should have got promoted that last year I was here, with the team we had, and maybe even the year before.

“Even though we got to the Cup Final and lost to Rangers then played in Europe – which was great – to get Queens into the Premiership is something I want.

“Why shouldn’t a team from Dumfries be there? It doesn’t matter how small a club are, it’s the team, the manager and what you make of every game.”

The love affair with Queens was kindled by then-boss Ian McCall, another maverick talent who had never made the most of his opportunities as a player at Rangers and could see himself laced through the talented playmaker.

Dobbie’s journey from top to bottom had been swift, his chances limited at Ibrox amidst Dick Advocaat’s influx of ultimately ruinously expensive imports.

Hibs looked like his perfect pitstop, McCabe, Jim Clark, I wish I had done more for them because they did a lot for me. I don’t look back on not making it then with any real regret though because you just don’t know the path you end up following.

“There are so many players you see who do it at the start then fade away, like in that Hibs team. I ended up doing the opposite and didn’t realise how good I could have it until I got my head down and did it.

“I never doubted my ability. I always knew I had something but it was working on the other stuff off the pitch.

“I ended up on loan at Dumbarton, playing for Gerry McCabe, and it started to twig. It gave me a kick start but it was only when Ian McCall took me to Queens that it all clicked.

“He was magnificent for me. Every time I see him or call him it’s like we’ve never been apart. I don’t know if he sees himself in me or not but he was the one who explained it was my last chance.

“And it worked. I lost weight, got my head down, scored 54 goals in 84 games and got my move.”

Despite the ensuing success, though, Dobbie stayed grounded by his experience on the bottom rung.

He said: “I like to think I’m quite humble about it because despite going from Dumbarton to the Premier League, I