Inspirational chairman is star

After Witham Town 'Ultra' fan James Beardwell went looking for love on the Channel 4 show last week, the Ryman League was in the spotlight again on Monday night thanks to the Rebels chairman, one of the stars of the show who will have fans watching on catch-up TV with his 'can do' attitude.

The former Worthing player, 23, was left paralysed after breaking his neck in a car crash five years ago and agreed to go on a blind date after splitting up with his childhood sweetheart over a year and a half ago.

Sports-mad Dowell, who rode to the rescue to buy the Rebels in March 2015 when the club was struggling with some of the compensation he received following the accident, has helped turn around their fortunes.

As well as being in second spot behind leaders Folkestone Invicta under joint managers Gary Elphick and Jon Meeney, one of the youngest chairman in football has also overseen a big jump in crowds at Woodside Road with more than 500 fans turning out for each of their last three home games.

Images courtesy of betty/Channel 4

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook