National Game Awards 2017/18 in association with SCL – Fans get no more ardent than James Beardwell

(ALL SMILES: James Beardwell, right, receives his Fan of the Year award from Joe Crilly, of William Hill. Image: Andy Nunn)

William Hill Fan of the Year winner is James Beardwell (Witham Town)

Non-League football is blessed with an impressive number of diehard fans; however any supporter would be hard pressed to match the level of dedication that super fan James Beardwell has shown to his beloved Witham Town this season.
Beardwell, who has been following Witham since 2005, has acted as a 12th man for the Bostik North side all season, keeping up a level of vocal support which, according to vice-chairman Jim Purtill “defies the biological limits of human lungs for 90 minutes plus.”
Come rain or shine Beardwell can be found in the stands singing his heart out as he gives his all to help cheer on the Town.
Beardwell relies solely on public transport to travel throughout East Anglia, Kent, Surrey and Sussex to watch his side play and his exemplary behaviour at matches both home and away makes him a real credit to the club, the Bostik League and Non-League football in general.

Passion

After receiving his award at Wednesday’s ceremony at Stamford Bridge, the deserving recipient told The NLP: “It’s absolutely amazing to win the award for all the support I have given.
“I have been using public transport to get to the away games and I make sure I make the most of the day out, whether we win, lose or draw.
“The way I sing, it sounds like 100 or even 1,000 fans are chanting! I want to keep up my level of support for years to come.”
Beardwell cheered the Essex club to a comfortable mid-table finish in the Bostik North this season and he is hoping that he can inspire a new batch of fans to get behind the side at their Spa Road stadium next year.
“Witham Town is such a great club and we certainly deserve to have more support,” said the award winner.
“The attendance isn’t much at the moment but I think that we can get more fans to come and watch the team in the future.
“I hope that more fans will come to watch Witham Town matches next season.”
Beardwell’s tireless support for his side was especially noted during Witham’s disappointing 4-1 away defeat at Grays Athletic in December.
While his side suffered a capitulation on the pitch, their number one fan braved the arctic conditions to continue his passionate backing right up until the final whistle before each and every player walked up to him pitchside to thank him for his loyal support.
“I can remember keeping up my support during the Grays game,” he said.
“Ultimately you have to go through the good times and the bad times as a football supporter and I could see that the Witham Town players really appreciated my support that day.”
Beardwell’s passion for his side has led to him becoming an extremely popular figure with both the players and management at Witham and the club will be hoping to reward his support with a strong showing in the Bostik North next season after finishing eleventh this time out.
 
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