Welcome back to another TTTONLF meets James Lampard a former Dorking Wanderers player himself, he is now a huge fan of the club and helps out with the media side of things as a volunteer. Being a fan of ‘Bunch of Amateurs’ + having just finished the book ‘Nonconformist’ by Rob Cavallini which details the first 25 years of the club, I am quite fond of the club myself and was really interested to speak to James about the past, the present and the future. So lets get stuck in and find out what James had to say!

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Q) How did you come to become a fan/follower of Dorking Wanderers?

I played for Dorking Wanderers back in the early 2000’s when we played on The Big Field at Brockham so my interest goes way back. I have obviously always followed their fortunes, and started going home and away when work allowed around 2016.

Q) What does it feel like to be a part of the clubs history forever?

Its nice, I guess. I think that is the good thing with local, community clubs is that there is a chance to etch yourself into their history and legacy but also be part of them in the future. I am Dorking through and through, it is my town and my team so yeah its really nice I guess.

Q) What do you make of the incredible rise from literal Parks to being in the National League South at Meadowbank?

It’s incredible but being honest, with someone such as Marc and his ambitions it’s not as unlikely as it seems. He’s so driven and so ambitious that even now, this isn’t enough and he wants to get the club into the football league. But there have been real pinch me moments, playing at Wrexham, having games televised and the national coverage rather than being in just the local papers and local media.

Q) With a figure such as Mark White in the dugout does that bring a bit more them vs us mentality to the fanbase?

I guess it can do. There are definitely times when it feels like we have to close ranks as a club. There are plenty of neutral admirers from all over the country and people who love the story so they come from all over to watch a game. But then there are others who dislike the club and Marc (again, all based on what they see on social media or Youtube because they don’t actually know him) and that is fine.

Q) Alongside being a fan you also carry out interviews for the club both pre and post match, how did this come about and how much do you enioy doing them?

A couple of years ago I think it was the club secretary who messaged me before the Eastleigh away game and asked if I would do it for that game as nobody else could. I said yes, in return for travel on the players coach and I have pretty much done them ever since! I do enjoy them. Last season was hard, especially in the run up to being relegated. They are much easier when we win.

Q) Can it be quite challenging to interview Marc, as his answers can’t always be predicted?

I don’t see it as a challenge as such. Marc speaks his mind and is open/transparent and honest. As you know, generally it can be one question and he will talk which makes things easier. I never have to prize things out of him as he is forthcoming .There are times – usually pre-match – when he is hilarious and will say something that has us in stitches when he is more relaxed than after.

Q) What has been the favourite snippet you have captured from a pre-match interview?

I think Farnborough away this season was good. Spencer Day their Manager brought over a sheet of paper with the match day timings on it like a cup final (as Marc had called it their cup final!) and it had a fly past from the red arrows, the national anthems and lap of honour! That was funny – and we won 4-3 having been 2 down as well so that was amusing looking back!

Q) Why should people give up their time and volunteer at their own local club?

Obviously people don’t have to and it has to fit with their life and their own time. For me however it is about connections- making friends, meeting people and feeling part of something. I have struggled with my Mental Health and doing this makes things feel worthwhile and beneficial to me personally.

Q) What does a matchday look like for you and How much do you enjoy them?

I usually get to the ground early and my wife and daughters come as well. Once there I load up on coffee and get to my spot near the dugouts. The pre-match interview is usually done around 13.45. Once the game ends I usually take a slow walk around and allow the crowd to empty before going out onto the pitch with the media lads for the post match interview before heading home.

Q) Who is the best player you have seen in a Dorking shirt?

I would say James McShane is the best player I have seen. Technically brilliant, finds pockets of space, an eye for goal and a good passer of the ball. Played in the team at Westhumble and has played in the National League scoring a famous hat-trick against Notts County. One of the best non-league players there has been and how he hasn’t played football league is a mystery.

Q) It looks likely now to be playoffs for the team, do you back their chances in succeeding with another promotion back to the National league?

This is such a tough question. As I write we have three games left. One of which is Worthing away and a lot can change over the Easter weekend. However, finishing as high as we can in the league makes a big difference for play-off places. Once it gets to that stage it is such a cliche but can be a lottery. A moment of magic, bad luck, poor decision from an official and it could all change so who knows! I am always confident but I think it all depends on the opponents and how we take any form into them if that’s where we end up.

Q) Why do you think on a wider level we are seeing such a huge rise in popularity of Non-League football?

It’s brilliant isn’t it? It is popular because it’s cheap, there is no VAR. you get a real connection with the players and the clubs and most non-league grounds are extremely friendly. So many clubs have their own quirks as well – St Albans had market stalls and the food selection was unreal, Chelmsford had an external catering van with lovely chocolate brownies, at Hemel Hempstead the lights in the stand kept going on and off which was being cheered by the fans. Just quite nice, safe places full of families and people enjoying good football as well. Ultimately the standard is good and you get to see a lot of talented players in a highly competitive league.

Q) Finally, where do you see Dorking in 5 years time?

I would love us to be a football league club and the ambitions are there. However, I think for me it is to become a sustainable club in the National League. A club that continues to get good crowds, grows the fanbase, brings through academy players (has a decent playing surface!) and perhaps some good FA Cup runs as well to get some national recognition and finances

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Thanks to James for his time and for answering so open and honestly, I found this a really interesting interview , the perfect example of someone who has a deep affinity and love for a club. Not being content with having played for the club and moving into just being a fan, he now continues to give up his time to volunteer, I find it incredible and it highlights just how much it means to him.

If you are reading this you too can be like James and volunteer your own time to give something back to a club you love – why not?!

Until next time!

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