As the anticipation builds for Chesham United’s FA Cup first-round match against Lincoln City, the club’s director and well-known comedian Alex Horne shares his unwavering passion for non-league football. With the game set to kick off on Monday evening, Horne finds himself in a bit of a predicament – he’s scheduled to perform a gig in Edinburgh at the same time. However, the comedian’s love for his club shines through as he ponders how to keep up with the score during his performance.
Horne’s dedication to Chesham United is evident in his involvement with the club’s preparations for the big match. As a director, he has been helping to ready the small ground for its moment in the spotlight, with new TV gantries and additional toilets being installed to accommodate the increased attention. Horne even shot an intro for the broadcasters, showcasing his genuine affection for the club while carefully navigating the line between humor and respect.
The Rise of Chesham United
Chesham United’s profile has skyrocketed since Taskmaster, Horne’s global TV hit, became their shirt sponsor. Attendances have climbed from a few hundred to an average of 1,000 over the past two years, though Horne humbly refuses to take credit for the increase. He attributes the club’s success to their impressive performance on the pitch, winning their first seven league matches last season and maintaining that momentum ever since.
The Magic of Non-League Football
For Horne, the appeal of non-league football lies in its unique atmosphere and sense of community. He compares it to the vibe at a cricket match, where spectators can move around freely, socialize, and engage in good-natured banter with the opposition. The comedian relishes the fact that at Chesham, he can chat with friends and fellow supporters throughout the game, unlike the more restrictive seating arrangements at Premier League matches.
At Chesham you see someone over there, go and chat to them for a bit, it’s really sociable.
– Alex Horne
The Road to the FA Cup First Round
Chesham United’s journey to the FA Cup first round has been marked by late drama, including a stoppage-time header in the previous round against Yeovil. Horne sees this as a positive sign, noting that it has bolstered the players’ psychology and kept supporters glued to their seats until the final whistle. The club’s women’s team is also making waves, competing in the fourth tier – a level higher than their male counterparts – and preparing for their own FA Cup first-round match against Fulham on Sunday.
Community at the Heart
For Horne, who began attending Chesham United games 20 years ago due to the ground’s proximity to his home, the club is all about community. He takes pride in seeing the town’s pubs and bars filled with supporters after a match, and the increasing number of away fans exploring Chesham. The club’s success has had a tangible impact on the local economy, and Horne is keen to emphasize that this organic growth stands in contrast to the trend of celebrity investment in football clubs.
I haven’t chucked millions of pounds of Chesham because I can’t, and my wife would not let me.
– Alex Horne
Balancing Passion and Pragmatism
While Horne acknowledges that the allure of non-league football may be growing as people become disillusioned with the billionaire-driven world of top-tier clubs, he maintains that it’s possible to appreciate both ends of the spectrum. As a lifelong Liverpool fan, he still relishes the atmosphere at Anfield but finds a different kind of excitement in the stands at Chesham.
When Liverpool score, I sort of nod and go: ‘That’s good.’ And when Chesham score, I actually get excited and punch the air.
– Alex Horne
The Biggest Game of Their Lives
As Chesham United prepares to face Lincoln City, Horne emphasizes the significance of this match for the players, describing it as the biggest game of their lives. Unlike top-tier professionals who regularly compete in high-stakes matches, this FA Cup tie represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the Chesham squad. Horne’s message is clear: embrace the moment and enjoy the ride, regardless of the outcome.
With Alex Horne’s infectious enthusiasm and deep-rooted connection to Chesham United, it’s clear that non-league football holds a special place in his heart. As the club prepares for its moment in the spotlight, Horne’s passion serves as a reminder of the magic that can be found in the grassroots of the beautiful game.
