He’s back! We’re delighted to bring you the latest of our excusive columns penned by the ultra-talented and award-winning Alex Horne. Over to you, Alex…
Halfway through February, Chesham United banned anyone associated with the club from using the ‘P’ word. Six weeks later, at the time of writing (the morning of Good Friday) we are 14 points clear at the top of the Pitching In Southern League Premier South with just six games left to play. It’s getting increasingly difficult to obey the chairman’s orders.
It’s all I can think about.
Since I moved to Chesham and started following the team, they’ve never been in this position. We managed to get the last spot in the play-offs last year, but didn’t make it through the semis (extra-time deflected goal tragedy). This year we’ve been top of the table since August. Surely, this is it?
So, what would going up a division mean to a team like Chesham? To be honest, I don’t know. I’m guessing it’ll be a bit like moving to a slightly bigger house; a bit weird at first and you keep forgetting where your shoes are but pretty soon you forget all about the old place, your old neighbours and all the things you buried in the garden.
Presumably, and hopefully, we’ll have tougher games against teams with bigger followings. It would be magnificent if we could get a thousand plus people in the Meadow every week. I imagine all the players will have to step up their game to keep our place in tier six. But they’ve proved they’ve got it in them. And meanwhile, more importantly, we will still be able to drink beer in the stands.
But to be honest, I don’t really care about the 2024/25 season. Right now, these last few games are all that matters. This is the season we’re in and this is the season of our lives. My children are buzzing about Chesham United. Their friends are openly admitting to be Chesham United fans. News of our current form is spreading across town. It’s happening.
With a bit of luck, the ground will keep getting busier right to the end of the season. I’m hoping we’ll sell all the remaining club shirts to mark what’s happened this year too. Good football brings good results which bring good numbers which bring a good atmosphere which brings good confidence in the players which brings good football which brings good results…
And so, we can all keep dreaming. Back in September, when we’d won seven games on the trot, Ian Holloway came and did a talk in the bar and said our good form couldn’t keep going. It pretty much has. It’s been remarkable.
Can we get this done with a few games still to play so we can really enjoy the celebrations? Can we keep the team together for next year? Can I drive an open top bus down Chesham’s pedestrian high street? I don’t see why not.
So, Chesham, keep playing with patience and passion. Pass, perform and please, please, please don’t make this article seem like the worst case of jinxing a team in the history of non-League football.
Whichever team you support, enjoy your Easter feast of football this weekend.
Until next time…
ALEX
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