Fan of the week

By Stuart Croll (NonLeagueToday)

Chris Crerie was there when Concord Rangers was formed in 1967 and when they sensationally clinched the Essex Senior League title on the last day of this season's league campaign Chris was there. And for the first time in their history Concord will be playing in step four of the NonLeague pyramid next season.

For Chris who has poured his heart and soul into the club this really is a dream come true. He said: "Pipping Enfield and Barkingside on the last day was a great reward for the players but also for the many people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes."

Chris goes onto say how the man who deserves the success the most is his father-in-law Albert Lant Now the Club President Albert formed the club in 1967 and who has forty unbroken years with Concord.

He said: "After 40 years, Albert deserves to be the President of a Ryman League club and I am so glad next season he will be."

Chris also mentions other people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes behind the scenes "Our chairman Anthony Smith and our treasurer Jack Smith who raised the funds to build the ground and the clubhouse in the 80s deserve their share of success." Chris modestly doesn't mention himself.

But over the decades he has played, managed, supported and worked behind the scenes for Concord. He is currently the club's secretary and is first port of call for media requests.

Chris regards the club's promotion to the Ryman League as long overdue.
The 62 year-old said: "We've been unable to progress in the past because of our ground was close to a methane plant but now the Thames Road Stadium has been given the all clear so we look forward to step 4 football for the first time." When asked if it had been difficult continuing to support and work for the club when it could go no higher the Client Liaison manager was typically upbeat.

He said: "It was never difficult motivating myself to keep going because I love the club so much but it was difficult to keep good players who obviously wanted to progress."

But thankfully that is in the past and for a superfan like Chris he can now watch his side higher up the pyramid. Although for Chris and his fellow fans Saturday games, for the first time, will take up more time with travelling to and from games.

The ability to hold onto players has also helped Concord's management team of  Dan Scopes and Danny Cowley. The ever-modest Chris believes their achievement in their first season of management is far more important than his involvement.

But that just goes to show that even with his work for the club over the decades, Chris is first and foremost a fan. This is obvious as despite enjoying a great season Chris still rues Concord's quarter-final defeat to Lowestoft Town in the FA Vase.
He said "A trip to Wembley would have been the icing on the cake this season but it just wasn't to be."