The Rams - Poetry in motion

Reaching the Third Round proper (last 16) has really caught the imagination, as the east Lancashire club is the only representative of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League still in contention for a trip to Wembley should a place in the final be realised.

Before that, there is the little matter of a game against AFC Fylde, three divisions higher and chasing a place in the Football League.

So the game at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on Saturday (2nd February) really is a David v Goliath contest, with the Rams hoping to produce a cup shock and gain a place in the quarter-finals.

The previous round (the furthest the club had ever reached) saw Southern League big boys Weymouth make the long journey north. Expecting to return home triumphant, the Dorset side were stung by a last gasp equaliser by the Rams which necessitated a 550 mile round trip to Weymouth the following Tuesday for the replay.

More in hope than expectation, a fearless band of 17 supporters made the arduous trip to support the team, and returned joyfully with a 3-1 victory under their belts, much to the disapproval of the frustrated home fans. Hence the game against AFC Fylde.

Inspired by the progress made by “Little ol’ Rammy”, a local poet promised that should the team win on the south coast, he would pen a special tribute in the form of a poem dedicated to the club.

Following the fine win, that’s exactly what PAUL JENKINS did.

Here's what Paul said regarding writing the poem: “Sometimes my job is just BRILLIANT and Saturday was no exception.

"To big up the club in anticipation of what’s arguably one of Ramsbottom United’s biggest ever games (vs AFC Fylde FA Trophy 3rd round - it’s a BIG deal) I was invited down to the Riverside to scribe a new piece. Such an honour to be asked to write for something right at the very centre of our town's community.

"Here’s the result - a tribute to those who brave the cold each week to watch people who aren’t earning millions and surprisingly don’t spend 90 minutes rolling around on the floor.

“If you’re local to Rammy - come on down and show your support next Saturday 2nd Feb at 3pm. Let’s pack the place out!”

Here is Paul’s poetic tribute to Ramsbottom United:

Come On You Rams!

A quiet town
Under a tower
Day by day
Hour by hour
The trains do come
The trains do go
The pace in Rammy?
Steady. Slow.

Till Saturday - at 3pm
Past the cricket club and then
To the riverside
To join the crowd
The expectation
And the sound
The buzz of hopes
And crazy dreams
Hats & Scarves
And Pies and Peas
Your Bovril
Served in proper mugs
Photo frames and shiny jugs
Of sweet success
From days gone by
The names of legends
Standing high
Harry’s name above the door
But step inside
You’ll find much more,
Wolfenden, Bridge, Rothwell & Lay
And then the giants of today
Emerge from deep inside their den
Lining up
These Rammy Men
Gaffer’s ready
Ultras primed
The whistle blows
The search to find
A goal begins

Upon the pitch
A dummy sold
A turn and switch
Both in the air
And on the floor
Shuttle runs to find the door
Crunching tackles
Park the bus
Move the ball without a fuss
Work it
Get it round the back
Time your run and beat the trap
And bosh!
The balls inside the net
The crowd erupts
The stage is set
For yet another epic win
The greatest club
There’s ever been
(The best from round here anyway)
As what we have all seen today
Is proper football
Laid out bare
Money not a love or care
Just pride & passion
On the field
Commitment showing
Victory sealed
We’ve got no time for also-rans
Just hear them sing
“Come on you Rams!”

(C) Paul Jenkins 2019
@teacherwriterPJ