A former England international and Manchester City manager was spotted watching a fixture at a Non League club in Buckinghamshire.
Stuart Pearce, who also played for and managed Nottingham Forest, attended Marlow FC’s home league match against Tooting & Mitcham United on March 25.
His visit to the Alfred Davis Memorial Ground was part of the annual ‘Non League Day’ event, which encourages fans to watch games lower down the football pyramid whilst fixtures in the Premier League and Championship are paused.
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This is due to the international break, which saw England defeat Italy and Ukraine in their respective Euro 2024 qualifying games.
Speaking on his visit to South Buckinghamshire, Pearce said: “These clubs don’t run without volunteers, there is not a budget to pay people.
“It’s the same clutch of local people, they love football and want to give something back, it’s fantastic.
“It’s the enjoyment of being involved in a football team, at whatever level.
"There are 22 players fortunate enough to play, but it’s the rest of us watching or volunteering.
“There will be a lot of players that will have been youngsters at bigger clubs that haven’t made the level and need to play.
“I was fortunate that when I left school and had nowhere to play, my local caretaker took me to Wealdstone; young players need somewhere to play and bounce back.
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“People will be surprised by the quality on show and there is a real family feel at non-league games.
"If you have only experienced the top end of the game, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the enjoyment, the camaraderie, two sets of fans enjoying each other’s company.”
In all, 330 people attended the fixture which Marlow won 2-0.
Pearce made the trip as part of his ambassadorial role with Pitching In, title sponsors of the Trident Leagues, and spoke to chairman Ian Benfell about the importance of Non League Day and volunteers.
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Benfell said: “We typically have around 20 people; covering the gate, putting up corner flags, goal nets, catering after the game – all the regular duties that make sure the game is on.
“It really is a passion.”
Marlow FC are currently third in the Isthmian League Premier South Central Division.
They will also play Bracknell Town in this year’s Berks & Bucks Cup final in April.
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