Taking a Bostik bow: Egham Town

We asked supporters from our new or returning clubs to write an introduction to the footballing love of their lives. Here's Mike O'Grady on The Sarnies.


With the expansion of our League (and the alterations which the FA have made to the pyramid) we have a number of clubs who are entirely new to us, haven’t been part of our setup for rather a long time, or are returning to us after some time away. We decided that the best way to introduce- or to reintroduce- them to Bostik League supporters was through the eyes of one of their own.

Here's Sarnies fan Mike O'Grady on the wonders of Egham Town.

How long have you been a supporter of Egham Town?
Since 1992

Egham Town fans v Staines Town

Egham Town fans v Staines Town

Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

I moved to Egham in 1991 and always like to follow local football teams. I used to live in Coleraine Nothern Ireland and still also support Coleraine FC

And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?

I love the fact that you can watch a match and afterwards have a drink and chat to the players and management. You don't get that in the professional game. I still keep in touch with some of our old managers. Fans at non league level are the most loyal bunch of supporters I have ever met! Plus I love taking my chocolate labrador to matches too!

What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

Egham Town Zak- he only goes for the Sarnies!

Egham Town Zak- he only goes for the Sarnies!

Friday night meet up with a couple of supporters and have a beer and discuss how we think the match should go, who should play, etc. Then Saturday morning after brekkie get Zac (my chocolate lab and unofficial club mascot) ready and head to the match and meet up with my mates. The image of Zac was taken at the Runnymede Stadium on a cold Tuesday night.

Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

When we beat Staines Town 2-1 at the Runnymede Stadium when we were last in the Isthmian league. A proper local derby. Our fans never stopped singing all day and we celebrated for days! In the picture of the fans from that day Im the one with the plastic pipe in my hand banging the stand as a drum. A brilliant day!

Also when we won the Combined Counties Premier League pipping Guernsey to win the title! Sky Sports kept mentioning Guernsey due to Matt Le Tissier coonection and we beat them- it was absolutelly brilliant!

For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

It's a proper old ground with covered stands- a proper old school ground. It's not a town centre ground but I love the place. The image of the team celebrating was when we won the Combined Counties Premier in it.

If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

We've a large car park plus an overflow area. It does fill up but if you arrive before 2.15pm and you should be ok for a space. Egham train station is a 5 min cab ride and costs about a fiver. Number 8 bus from Egham tosn centre to Pooley Green is the closest stop. A 2 minute walk from there. About £2

Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?

Runnymede where the Magna Carta was sealed is part of Egham and worth a visit. Saville Gardens and Windsor Great Park are just the other side of Egham too. Lots of local pubs, cafes and restaurants in Egham High Street and the Robin Hood pub is a nice friendly pub near to the ground.

Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

A pint of fosters costs £2.70 In clubhouse. Cheap and a nice pint it is too if that's your thing. Kronenburg is available too. We have a tea bar for burgers, hot dogs etc but they don't do chips.

WE'RE THE SARNIES !!!

If you'd like to introduce your club, see the article here and get in touch!

Where next?

Egham Town Video playlist

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe