There’s no feel like a Non-League feel

WORKING in football, in whatever capacity, is not so much a job as a way of life. Non-League football, in particular, encompasses this in every way, from board members and club secretaries to kit men and tea ladies.

The characters that you meet and the grounds that you visit all have unique and special characteristics.

This time of year always has this extra special feel about it when the nights are drawing in and you witness and experience the autumn sun as it sets on the remains of the day.

At the end of this month the clocks go back and Saturday afternoon matches will finish as darkness descends.

This is not the only change though; the pitches start to get heavier, you are going to training in the dark and then going home in the dark, all this can test you resolve.

Everyone involved works hard, especially when we all have full-time jobs. It is a difficult juggling act at times, especially when you have the midweek away journeys that involve an early afternoon coach departure.

I think I have gone the furthest north (Gretna) and the furthest south (Truro City) in a week in search of those precious three points or to progress into the next round of the cup.

Football, however, remains our love and passion and the commitment is fantastic for everyone who is involved in NonLeague.