Hanwell: A Geordie soul — Terrace Edition

Words: Tom Reed

Images: Tom Reed

Shot on film and digital where stated.

You’re never far from a Newcastle United supporter. The followers from the football mad North East city have taken their love for the Mags to all corners of the globe.

You’ll hear the Geordie accent, as opposed to the Pitmatic or the Mackem, at Hanwell Town FC in the London borough of Ealing.

For 106 years, a place where exiled Newcastle folk can back another team in black and white.

The club was originally formed in 1884, known as Hanwell FC and nicknamed “the lunatics” due to its proximity to the nearby Middlesex County Asylum.

However, like many association football outfits born in the 19th century, Hanwell FC suffered financial issues and folded in 1912.

Yet, workers from Newcastle toiling on the Great West Road started a new team known as Hanwell Town, laying thoroughfares, as well as football foundations after the Great War.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Hanwell Town FC gates. On film.

Black and white colours and a nickname of “The Geordies” were adopted in homage to the grand club of St James’.

Sadly, this team went to the wall after just seven years but “Hanwell upon Tyne” would not give up its association with Newcastle. A new sporting entity was nurtured by another North-East native in Ron Walker in 1947.

Walker epitomised the doggedness and longevity of volunteers who have dedicated large parts of their lives to football at Hanwell, serving as the club secretary from 1948 until 1998.

Another club stalwart is Bob Fisher, who made his Hanwell Town debut in 1955 and played over 700 games for the Geordies.

“One club Bob” is now the current Hanwell chairman in his 87th year, epitomising the kind of sporting gentleman that makes English non-league football tick.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Bob Fisher. Digital.

You’ll find Bob pottering about on match-day, sharply dressed and sporting a fetching monochrome tie in the club colours.

Reynolds Field is located just over the A40 bridge from Perivale station, where the main road gives way to leafy streets and detached housing.

The sight of Dover Athletic’s supporter coaches going through parking manoeuvres while Saturday’s families were washing their pricy motors provided a contrast but, given this was for the FA Cup, the crowd hubbub can be forgiven.

In fact, the match was to produce a record attendance of 1,057 for Hanwell Town, with football supporters flocking to watch a keenly contested tussle in authentic surroundings.

Neighbours Queens Park Rangers FC had no match due to the international break, meaning that fans of the super hoops were happy to throw their support behind their local non-league eleven.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Hanwell Town vs Dover Athletic. On film.

While Reynolds Field is no Loftus Road in providing accommodation for tens of thousands, it is a venue that puts smiles on punters’ faces. Loftus Road is a West End stage, Hanwell Town play in a park amphitheatre.

From the moment fans click through the turnstiles and find a spot on one of the various terraces or seating areas, this is a ground where the football comes first and the supporters are free to do their thing. There’s a sense of purpose. A calm.

On one side, is a bright red London bus, which serves a cracking pie and mash, with just the right amount of black pepper, as well as beers that you can drink on the top deck.

Local up-and-coming singer Cian Downing was there, going through his repertoire of originals and Paul Weller covers ahead of a breakthrough gig at Bush Hall next March.

Hanwell isn’t quite a timewarp but the music connection doesn’t stop with Downing’s busking, the club released third shirts sponsored by the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the tops are dotted around, as well as compulsory black and white home jerseys.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Pints and pies. Digital.

There’s a Geordies Bar, that hosts live music but on match-day is full of expectant supporters taking in the build-up for the biggest game in years.

Soon, the club are hosting Bath City FC in aid of the Bobby Robson Foundation. Hanwell will show the Newcastle United game in the afternoon ahead of an evening with author Dan Jackson on his new book “Howay the lads!”.

The Newcastle link is everywhere but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a welcome for all-comers. A well-placed board is covered in stickers from supporters of various teams. There’s a Newcastle Brown ale star in the centre but also adhesive patches from Genoa, Cracovia and the rhombuses of Hamburger SV.

The pitch plays its role too, being nicely flat and well irrigated due to renovations as part of the club playing host to a training base for the Womens’ Euros in 2022.

As the match kicks-off, it is one of fine margins and feeding on scraps for two teams itching to make the FA Cup first round proper.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Hanwell Town sticker wall. On film

Dover in mauve, opened the scoring with pre-match pints barely hitting bellies, Alex Baptise notching from close range.

The hosts had to wait till half-time for the equaliser as the Geordies’ longest serving player Dwayne Duncan rose highest to set up Henry Snee for a cute header.

Despite the magpies being in the ascendency, it was the bluebirds heading back to the white cliffs as Decarrey Sheriff showed good close control and finishing to place past Sam Beasant, son of former Chelsea keeper Dave.

As supporters from Perivale, Newcastle, Dover, Genoa, Kraków and Hamburg drifted off into the autumn evening after the 1-2 win for the visitors, they were left to ponder why they watch football?

If it’s for atmosphere, togetherness, value and spirit, then Hanwell Town is up there with the best.

A club with a West London heart and a Geordie soul.