We sat down with life-long Fleetwood Town supporter Beryl Laycock to talk about her time watching the Cod Army, the memories created and her excitement ahead of the new season.
Beryl, 80, who has been following her Club since 1985, has been a season ticket holder for many years, and is just as excited today for the new season as she was back when she watched her first game over 30 years ago.
With Fleetwood starting off their 2022/23 campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Port Vale on Saturday 30 July (3pm K/O), we met up with Beryl at Highbury Stadium to get the atmosphere going.
“This Club is just home!”, said Beryl after being asked what this Football Club means to her.
“As I sit here and look out at the stadium, hardly anything that is here now was here back in the 80s. There was one stand and a little hill at the other end of the ground, where fans used to stand on the verge and cheer on their team.
“I sometimes used to stand by the dugouts, mainly the away dugouts, and have a bit of banter with the away managers – that’s just me, I haven’t changed even to this day!
“One memory that comes to mind is a game where I was stood near the dugouts. I was having banter with the manager and he offered me the chance to take over the team because I wouldn’t keep quiet, but it was just banter and that moments alwats stands out to me as my favourite.
“Since then, the Club has just grown and to me it’s just a fabulous place. Everybody that works for this Club, who come as guests, fans, players, or cleaners, they’re so welcoming and they make it so homely – which is what makes it so special to me.”
Beryl has seen players such as Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy come and go through the doors at Highbury; but says there’s one player that sums up this ‘amazing’ Club.
“As a fan, you have memories of players, especially Nathan Pond – who made 498 appearances for the Cod Army. He was just so approachable and never turned anybody away. He was a very good player and everybody at Fleetwood Town loves him. He even came to my 80th party last year which was very nice!
“James Hill is another player – who has just gone to AFC Bournemouth, and he messaged me the other day to see how I was. Like I said, Fleetwood is just a nice place to come to and create long-lasting memories on and off the pitch.
When asking Town’s super fan how excited she was for the new season, she added: “I can’t wait for the new season to start.
“I live for my Saturday’s, and with not getting out much these days I just make the most of it. It’s home and I love coming to matches! The people here are so friendly, and I think that’s what makes my club so special.”
Get ready for the new season with an Onward Card
Make sure you are in the stands to watch the Cods during the 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season by getting your very own Onward Card. Adult tickets start at just £14.17 a month and Under-16s from just £1.92 a month. Create long-lasting memories just like Beryl - Details on this season's cards are HERE.
