For over two decades, non-league football has been more than a passion – it’s been a way of life. Rob Lilley is founder and host of The Back Post and his journey through the grassroots game has taken him from touchlines to trophies, cameras to commentary.
How long have you been following non-league football?
I’ve been within non-league football for well over 20 years now, starting out at Great Wakering Rovers, working alongside the late and great Nobby Johnson. I was at Rovers for about 10 years, before moving on to Wakering Sports and I have been at Catholic United now for about 8 years.
What roles have you performed?
Working with Nobby Johnson was honestly the highlight of my time in non-league football. His passion and professionalism was so infectious and everything he did, voluntarily, was done to both promote Great Wakering Rovers and also non-league football. I guess this is where I’ve got my passion from too.
I started out taking photographs for Great Wakering Rovers, before reaching out to Nobby and joining as their programme editor. From there I was accepted onto their committee and stepped up into a Media Manager role, overseeing their website, photographs and programme. I joined Wakering Sports at a time when they were still called ‘Southend Sports FC’, and I designed their club badge which is still in use today. As media manager there I continued my website building and gave them the online presence that was needed, although my role there was short lived due to work commitments. I joined Catholic United about 6 months later when work had died down and I’ve been club photographer & media manager at the ‘Essex Bhoys’ ever since.
What has been your motivation to start The Back Post?
I guess you could say it is a step forward in terms of being a media manager for a club and instead of being behind the camera, I’m now in front of it. I’ve enjoyed interviewing managers and players as part of my roles through the years so having a more informal chat and promoting them, their role and the club they may represent, is a direction I think I’m now interested in. Non-league and grassroots doesn’t really get the exposure it should so this too is a great means to bring that exposure to the fore and hopefully drive more people to go and watch their local team play.
How hard has it been to turn toward podcasting?
I’m not going to lie, it has been quite difficult. When you’ve been BEHIND the camera for as long as I have, what with my football photography and recording interviews, the thought of seeing myself talking into a camera was quite daunting, but the initial fear has subsided and I think I’m happy with things now. I guess it is the same with anything, the more you do it, the more familiar and comfortable it becomes. I’m sure in a year, I won’t look back.
You’ve had to learn more about different types of gear. What has that been like?
It has been a challenge, but a good one. Most podcasters use expensive DLSR or mirrorless camera’s and lenses, which, whilst offering the best look and feel, is out of the price range for any new podcaster. I was no exception. Learning to know and understand the camera’s I’ve purchased has been fun, but thankfully my knowledge of photography aids the visual side of things. Audio, is another story. I must have watched 40 or 50 YouTube video’s about audio mixers, boom arms, microphones etc and I think I’ve now got what is needed to make it sound as good as it looks.
What can you say about your hosts?
Pete & Scott I’ve known for a few years now, perhaps even during my later days at Great Wakering Rovers. I think we’ll have to see when they started their blogs to get the answer to that. I’ve always enjoyed reading their vlogs so I know they have a passion for football at this level and getting them involved in discussions and chatting with individuals on the podcast will make for a really nice watch. Warren I’ve known since I started at Catholic United and similar to Nobby Johnson, his passion for the club is awesome. Of course, being at Catholic Utd myself, I a tad biased but Warren works tirelessly as Club Secretary and I think his unique knowledge will bring a nice twist to the show.
Where do you see The Back Post in 2 / 5/ 10 years time?
Hopefully it’s still here and moving forwards. I think it will take a couple of years to establish itself, become known for its discussions and a place where we can talk to people around the game. Five years from now, I’d like to see it become more of a ‘show’, perhaps running for 30-45 minutes a week with some really nice features. By then having more people involved in on-location filming would be a nice step up. Ten years?? I don’t believe I can think that far ahead. Perhaps a new location for our main show, better, more professional equipment and turning the show into something more of a business where the money raised can bring more benefits to contributors, community events or more scarily, some live shows!!
