Non league football is like the lyric from the classic Eagles’ song Hotel California – “You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave”.
That is what a friend and fan of the 1970s rock group told Kingstonian programme editor, U18 and vets secretary and match day announcer Rob Wooldridge.
When the fans arrive at Kingsmeadow for each home game it is his voice that tells them who will be playing that day, his words they read in the club programme, which he also edits, and if they go along to the youth team matches they watch the players he has signed on.
But despite all the stress and strain, the 12 seasons of commitment and the cold, windy afternoons, Mr Wooldridge, who lives in Wallington, said he would not have it any other way.
He said: “Sometimes you want to leave, but you find you just can’t stay away, exactly like the song.
“It is the people. They make you feel so welcome and you feel like you are part of something, part of a community.
“We have had some bad days, more than most, but we have had some really great days.
“You get greedy for that and you want more, that is what keeps me coming back.”
The 40-year-old distribution manager said that working at Kingstonian has taken over his life, so much so that his wife, fed up of never seeing him, now also volunteers at the turnstiles on match days.
He said: “It takes up so much of my time – my wife doesn’t recognise me sometimes.
“But she comes along too now, though she is in the turnstiles and I am in the announcer booth.
“I did not start off supporting the Ks, but the club has got in my blood and I love every minute of it.”
To nominate an unsung hero call 020 8744 4244 or email newsdesk@surrey comet.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here