Arundel FC

A very quick post this morning as it is currently 'all go' with my FA Cup book, which was published a little over a week ago. It has been a busy few days for me, which started with a photo shoot at Pease Pottage FC (I still maintain I have a face for the radio), a five minute slot on BBC London Radio's 'The Non-League Football Show' on Monday evening and a few newspaper interviews; tomorrow we have the official book launch at Dartford FC before their FA Cup game with Hampton & Richmond Borough. Details are available on my 'Wick To Wembley' blog that can be accessed from the menu on the right. Andy Warhol's expression "fifteen minutes of fame" feels quite apt at the moment. Crazy really, considering I've simply been along to watch a few football games, something that millions around the world do day in, day out.

Back to the FA Vase; I am only three games and two rounds in and already thoroughly enchanted by the competition. As mentioned previously, the draws have been extremely kind, ensuring that I get to visit the scenic county of Sussex at least three times. Both Oakwood and Hassocks have fallen by the wayside, and Chertsey Town's next trip out into the county will be to Arundel on Saturday 4th October.

I have been to the town before, but never to the ground. Arundel FC play at Mill Road and, once again, I have been told many times that the picturesque setting is impressive. The ground has both Arundel castle and the River Arun as a backdrop. I can't wait.

Arundel FC, nicknamed The Mullets after the local mullet fishing trade, was founded in 1889 and joined the Sussex County League in 1949. They currently play in League Division One, alongside Oakwood, Hassocks and (coincidentally) Wick, with whom my FA Cup venture last season began. In terms of honours, they have been Sussex County League champions three times (1958, 1959 and 1987) and also won the League Challenge Cup in 1987. Last season in the League they finished a credible 3rd and also chalked up an impressive FA Vase win in the First Round Proper, a 5-0 mauling of Hythe Town.

Arundel's best season in the FA Vase was in 2002-03 when they reached the 4th Round Proper with wins over Hassocks, AFC Wallingford, Erith Town and Whitehawk before succumbing to Bridlington Town.

I'm keen to learn a lot more about the club; well over a hundred years old, I'm guessing it must be one of the oldest clubs in Sussex. It is certainly about time I pay a visit.