Flanagan's Football Files

STEVE & COLIN JUST TWO OF THE GOOD GUYS.

If there is one club that in my opinion epitomises all that is good about the love of the game, doing things the right way not only for the good of the club, but also football in general, it is Romford f.c.
They have been run for 25+ years , lovingly run if im being correct, by Steve Gardner & his trusty deputy Colin Ewenson, this has been despite, not having their own ground, considerable financial restraints, as well as both having health issues, yet in public at least they always have a smile on their face , are always helpful & friendly & also during that spell have negotiated, along with others at the club & my old mate Magic, surviving in the Isthmian League for 15. Or so seasons , whilst also coping with battling at least 4. Groundshare agreements at various grounds.
One funny story that always sticks with me about Colin, is when both Romford & my club were briefly together in the lift during our time in the Isthmian League, & the agm was held at the time at the hilton at Wembley Stadium on the way to the meeting both of us were joined in the lift on the ground floor by league chairman Nick Robinson, as the lift doors closed & we were about to start our journey as quick as anything Colin chirped up to Nick, this is sometging you wont experience often Barkingside & Romford both going up together, honestly it was priceless, another thing that was priceless for me was the look of joy on both these guys faces the minutes the final Whistler blew in the vase final at Wembley when they had won the final it was like two mates opening their Xmas presents together to find out they had got everything they wanted.
There are loads of clubs that have hardworking , loyal volunteers as well, I know that , but just i saw Colin as I was leaving the recent Esl committee meeting & like I said ,despite all he has had going on, as always his infectious smile was there instantly once again , like all the other volunteers , their hardwork & love of the game is what makes it all worthwhile.