Name – Mark Patrick
Age – 43
Favourite team – Liverpool, Retford
Occupation – Volunteer for Retford FC
Thing I love about football – Non league football is far more interesting and interactive than mainstream football
My football pet hate – Offside rule in premier league and the bad use of VAR

What first got you involved with Retford FC?

What first got you involved with Retford FC? I came down to watch them play a Man Utd Legends team as part of their opening of new facilities at their ground, asked the manager Chris Woodhead if he was interested in having a scout on board to watch matches for him, after a couple of weeks of conversation he agreed and I have produced over 25 reports for him and the club

How did you become the matchday announcer for the club?

I approached the manager mentioned above and asked if would like one, I have an entertainer background and some of the staff have seen videos on my socials and backed my talent up

What’s your favourite part of being the voice on matchdays?

In not a northerner so it's a different kind of voice that can be the voice of the club on match days and plus I like interacting with the squad as well on the pitch

Can you describe a typical matchday from your perspective?

I have a template that I keep to, I usually make notes of the next 2 games including u21s and also anything going on in the club, I wait for the squads to be released then make a note and then go through any tough names that I come across and find them out, it's all about clarity, oh and I make sure the microphone has batteries and works

How do you prepare for announcing matches to make it engaging for fans?

I like to keep it light and have a way to engage with the home fans, I always announce the away team first and then Retford FC when the hand shakes take place creating an atmosphere.

Have you ever had any challenges or funny moments while announcing?

I've had to pull out of announcing some subs as their names got the better of me.

How do you keep fans engaged throughout the game with your announcements?

Usually when the home team score it's a big time announcement however the away fans it's more dull and pulled back.

How did you take on the role of first-team scout for the club?

However the club have funded a couple of level 1 PSFA courses to get me started and I produce reports according to clubs needs and information.

What do you look for when scouting potential players for Retford FC?

I haven't done many player reports for the club that has been down to the manager.

What’s the most exciting discovery you’ve made as a scout?

That my network has hugely opened and I'm part of some groups that include some somewhat high profile names

How do your roles as announcer and scout complement each other?

I like to compare my reports to teams when on a match day I'm on the mic and see if there is anything I have missed or could of added

How would you describe the atmosphere at Retford FC on matchdays?

It's quite good and definitely a buzz on derby days with Retford Utd, the crowd are starting to get more influenced with the way I announce before, during and after

What makes Retford FC special to you compared to other clubs?

The community spirit and the setup from the ground upwards, you teams follow each other and the club have produced some good players coming through the ranks .

How important do you think volunteers like yourself are to the day-to-day running of a non-league club?

I like to think I have an input into upcoming matches with my reports as I wouldnt think step 6 have many scouts, also my matchday work is for making the supporters match day experience better and more fun.

Have you seen the club evolve or improve in ways that have impacted your roles?

The club have used my reports and with the work of the managers and coaches the squad have gone and done the business on the pitch, it's a team effort.

Do you have a favourite memory following Retford FC, either at home or away?

My first Retford derby and over 1000 fans for step 6, was amazing and the FC side won that day

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in volunteering roles at their local football club?

Get in touch with their local clubs whether it's catering, gate, or stewarding, or if you have an interest in the football side more so, take the plunge and enquire about it

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for both your roles and the future of Retford FC?

I want to be a part of the club for the next 10 years and see them at step maybe even step 2 which would be amazing and of course personally learning so much more in the world of scouting

F

Until next time!