How long have you been following non-league football in Essex?
For me it’s been nine years now (since 2016). I was fortunate to start with the Essex Senior League and over time, it has grown to include Essex Olympian League & a little of Thurlow Nunn Division One South.
I believe there are stories written every single month of every season by clubs in various different leagues and that is really good to see. And in a world of perpetual change, that element remains true every season.
You have a blog, firstly give us the URL for people to follow. Secondly, you’ve been blogging for a long time too, but why did you start blogging?
Thank you, it is survivor16b.wordpress.com
The URL name is a reference to my own long-term & continuing journey with Mental Illness. Yes, the blog has been there for a long time, it is important to give clubs, players & management their time. In a way, blogs are different from the match updates or videos of goals – although all of them are important.
I started as I thought clubs needed the bandwidth, at that time not many clubs did Social Media updates or did videos. Statistics (goal-scorers, defensive records etc) are good but a little dry so I hoped blogs with bring matches to life somewhat.
Has blogging helped you in any way in terms of interacting with people within non-league?
Yes, I think people in Non-League get an idea what I try to do. I’d like to think they know it is not about criticism in any way, it’s more about showcasing the good elements of the game we see at these levels (Steps 5 – 7), which still surprise a few in terms of quality.
The Non-League community is special, I have been fortunate to build links with a few clubs and people in my time. New stories are written each season and that means new clubs enter the different levels, on that note it is gratifying to see the depth of local clubs in South Essex competing in Steps 5, 6 & 7.
There are peers that are tweeters (of Match updates), Photographers, Videographers & podcasters etc. Everyone has their own niche and deserves respect for what they contribute as part of the Non-League community, including Mr Lilley!!
What has been the motivation to go to non-league games during all the time you’ve been doing this?
It is all about the matches & the clubs. In a big media landscape where hype continues to drive a lot of the professional game – I believe that leagues, clubs & players at Steps 5 to 7 need to stay in the spotlight.
Sometimes you see players progress to high levels, the likes of Mehmeti, Kone & Ashford plus Kightly, Gayle & Benson before them shows that there is a lot of talent in Non-League.
You’ve been a guest host on a radio show. What was it and what did you think about your time there?
I’ve been a part of two radio shows previously, they were a great experience. Radio is hugely special in my mind and that poses its own challenges – don’t get “tongue-tied” on-air as it is more noticable on the airwaves! Analysis, a little humour and putting your views/ perspective across are all important components of what makes a team work.
You’re now on a podcast, some may say, a modern medium in this day and age. What are your hopes for the show?
I hope it gives the clubs and leagues at Steps 5 – 7 more time to showcase what they are about as their stories are important, just as the first four steps are in the Non-League pyramid. For example, the all-Essex Senior FA Vase Final in 2024 was a statistical dream for that League. They may not have a club in the Final again for many years. But every season has worthwhile parts or moments to it.
What do you think you’ll bring to the show?
Heck knows… Can I skip this Q… No?
Alright, if anything I hope it is utilising my Experience of being in local Non-League to analyse how each League we’ll cover is progressing. I’ve known Peter for a long time so there maybe a little humour.. Just don’t call me a “pundit”.
If you have one thing to say to clubs and supporters, what would that be?
Will have to bend that rule straight away (sorry!) One – do tune in to ” The Back Post” as Sports radio / podcasts are about viewpoints & perspectives. The second thing for the clubs & supporters – Keep “writing your stories” & being a part of them that you create every single week of the season. In a way it doesn’t matter if 30 or 300 supporters watch a club on a regular basis – you are so important to clubs and that will always be true.
