View From The Treatment Room at Hednesford Town FC

The term `12<sup>th</sup> Man` sprung to mind when I was watching the Buxton vs. Hednesford match from the dugout on 14^th October 2008 in front of a crowd of 283. It was pleasing to see that happy band of loyal Hednesford fans that came with us in that midweek match and outsung the home fans. It was great to hear them sing because on an evening when we were ankle deep in mud and expecting the game to be stopped at any moment by the referee (because of driving rain) it was their vocal support that spurred the whole team on for a well earned three points.

It not only happens in the professional game where the away supporters have that extra edge-that extra desire- to support their team so hopefully we can hear you sing your hearts out too in the home matches at Keys Park Stadium.

The concept of the `Twelfth Man` was first mentioned in 1922. An American Football Club was playing another College who were ranked high as a team. As this hard fought game wore on the underdogs had to dig deeply into their limited reserves. The Coach remembered E. King-Gill, a former player, who was up in the Press box helping reporters identify players on the field of play. Gill was called down to the side of the pitch by the Coach and told that because of injuries the team may need him to play. So he put on the team colours including the shoulder pads and helmet.  He stood on the sidelines throughout the rest of the game and watched the team finally win. When the game ended, Gill was the only reserve player left standing on the sidelines. He later said, "I wish I could say that I went on and ran in the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me."

He became known as the `12th Man` because he stood ready for duty. That spirit of readiness and enthusiasm in supporting the team remains today through the devotion amongst sports fans for their favourite club. It is a spirit that grew vigorously throughout the years. Nowadays many supporters of soccer teams consider themselves as the `Twelfth Man`. They will stand up during the entire 90 minutes to show their solidarity wearing their team`s shirt with pride. 

At Keys Park you fans are our `12<sup>th</sup> Man` and with that added vocal support you can sometimes sound like a crowd of 1,000. They can make a big impact by creating such an atmosphere and the encouragement to our players while the `Gaffa` and the players do appreciate the fans efforts.

So let`s hope we enjoy the entertainment and goals this season.