He spent 5 season’s playing as a centre-half for clubs such as Potters Bar Crusaders, Old Owens, Potters Bar Town and Raynes Park Vale before deciding to bring a halt to his playing career at the age of 21 and become fully involved in the administrative side of the game, which is where he decided his future lay. Rob had already dipped his toe into this side of things during his playing career, writing the match programme for his club Potters Bar Crusaders and becoming a committee member there, but decided to move up a level and joined Ryman League Hampton & Richmond Borough as their programme editor in 1997.

After just one year at Hampton, Rob joined Corinthian-Casuals, another Ryman League club but one with a long and proud history. It was here that he was to cut his teeth in the many and varied roles that are involved with running a football club as well as acquiring the affectionate nickname of Scoop, a tag that still follows him round to this day. During his  many years at the Casuals, Rob diversified into becoming a web site designer, press secretary and match secretary as well as continuing with his match day programme writing. He also became a leading member of the clubs management committee, organising match days as well as the clubs widely documented tour to Brazil. The two Corinthians (Casuals and Paulista) formed a special place in Rob’s affections and the Brazilian version asked him to become their UK Representative, a role he still holds on to with pride. Rob was also instrumental in the construction of two new stands. These would prove vital during the close season as they ensured the clubs promotion over several others. He also set up a centenary game against Manchester United.

Nick Overend