Abbey Hey. A Club for the Fans
- Tarran Sidhu
- Feb 9, 2022
- 4 min read
Conceding in the 90th minute of a 4th round FA Vase tie would all but signal the end of a magical cup run for most clubs. But not for Abbey Hey…
A 93rd minute equaliser from Ben Halfacre sent the tie to the dreaded penalties. With both sides drained from a gruelling encounter, who or what would make the difference?
With five penalties taken, sudden death arrived not only in the shootout but also for the hopes of one side who would not continue their journey to Wembley.
The ball soars over the crossbar, whilst the ground erupts and the pitch is consumed by spectators from all four corners. In this moment of nirvana dawns the realisation that Abbey Hey have knocked out AFC Liverpool to reach the last 16 of the FA Vase for the first time in the club’s history.
An unforgettable moment for the players and managers but even more so for the fans who’s presence was crucial to the side’s success that evening. The value of support is often neglected and undervalued across the game especially at the elite level of football, though this is not the case at this Manchester club.
Despite playing in the 10th tier of English football, Gorton based Abbey Hey have welcomed around 2,965 spectators to their stadium this season. Support hasn’t just been present during the side’s biggest games but instead the Abbey Hey faithful have made their presence felt every game the club has played as highlighted by joint manager Chris Woods.
“They [the fans] have been important at every game they’ve been at.”
“I think the AFC Liverpool game had a bit more emotion to it because we were 1-0 up and then went 2-1 down but the character shown by the team and the support shown by the crowd helped get the equaliser and then win the penalty shootout.” He added.
Woods commented on “the buzz” around the club provided by the side’s cup exploits and the impact that has had.
“What we’ve noticed this season is, the fanbase has grown. There’s a lot of local people and people who’ve grown up supporting United or City and are now bringing their kids and families here.”
The side’s support hasn’t just grown physically but also in the social media era the club’s virtual fanbase has increased significantly too. A factor also noted by joint manager Terry Hincks.
“I think the media lads have helped the growth along aswell. Their coverage of the games and the media section of Abbey is phenomenal. If we didn’t have the media team, I don’t think we would have as many fans as we do. That’s helped massively for exposure for the club.”
Abbey Hey’s social media accounts have nearly 7000 followers collectively with fans actively engaging with the team’s media output.
Frankie Griffiths, a member of the club’s media team talked about the clubs variety of media content and the value of it.
“The media team and I have expanded the social side of Abbey Hey by providing live commentary through Mixlr for our listeners who are unable to make the game.”
“The live commentary has received a lot of positive comments and has seemed to have a bigger impact than we expected. We now average over 10/15 listeners for every game allowing us to communicate with the Abbey Hey fans.”
“Our twitter account constantly provides new information for our followers such as new signings, images, videos and of course live match day updates. Our twitter followers really appreciate all the information we provide for them.” Griffiths added.
When football stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects were largely felt at the roots of the game in grassroots and non-league football. The value of a social media presence like Abbey Hey’s was heightened and now the physical rewards are being reaped by the club with the ever-growing number of the team’s support.
At all levels of the club, the impact of the growing Abbey Hey faithful is acknowledged and appreciated. Evidenced by captain Aaron Fleming.
“It is massive for the club to get people through the gate but us as players we want to be playing in front of as many people as possible, so its nice to see the numbers growing gradually.”
Youngster Jake Dunford also commended the commitment of Abbey fans and the boost their support has provided him.
“They’ve been here through thick and thin and they're at away days on Tuesday nights which we really appreciate because they don’t have to do it.”
Its this commitment that the club cherishes and is why the fanbase and their experience is always central to Abbey Hey's motivations and future plans.
That moment of nirvana, the mixture of old and new faces, the feeling of pride and excitement that occurred seconds after the game’s end on that historic night at the Abbey Hey stadium is an experience the club hopes to continually see in the immediate future and beyond.
With the 5th round tie against Loughborough Students on the horizon and the infamous arches of Wembley nibbling at the minds of fans, players and managers. Hey will be hoping to keep this fairy tale story alive.
Regardless of the 5th round tie result, with the continued growth and support of the fanbase combined with the clubs progress on and off the pitch it can be assured that they will one day be rewarded with their happily ever after.
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