GARY CHARMAN

HORSHAM XI VS BOGNOR REGIS TOWN XISaturday 25th June 2022 l Camping World Community Stadium

MATCH SPONSORTestimonial Match

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Proud Sponsors ofHorsham FC

GARY CHARMAN A Caravan of Memories

“Legend” is a vastly over-used term in modern football, with fans taking to social media to proclaim mundane

goals, bog-standard performances and jobbing managers as legends when, in truth, they fall some way short of the mark. Players themselves are often cited as legends by a club’s supporters and they generally fall into one of three brackets; the long-time club servant, someone who delivers a memorable moment for fans, or the player whose ability sets him apart from those around him. For a player to be a comfortable contender in each of these buckets, they are something truly special. Gary Charman, for his career at Horsham alone, is a legend at least three times over.I won’t go into the numbers of his extraor-dinary career as they’ll be covered in depth later in the programme, but as the holder of the Horsham appearance record, his status in the minds of Horsham fans has been assured for some time. In our post Queen Street days, Horsham have probably had fewer than their fair share of homegrown talents. While the reasons for this are understandable, the relative lack of local boys to get behind further highlights how much of an impact Gary has had on those lining the terraces. When he first came into the team, a barely believable 24 years ago, none of us would have considered that the slight figure hugging the touchline with an eye for goal would go on to have the impact he did.With a whole-hearted approach and a physicality that didn’t seem in-line with his physique, Horsham fans, and in particular the Lardy Army, quickly warmed to him. His popularity grew until a song was adopted in his honour – Caravan of Love – both an homage to the affection fans have for him and a dig at his hippy-like long hair at the time. It’s a song that remains high on the Lardy songlist and will, I suspect, be sung with vigour for a long time to come.Gary played for the club throughout the John Maggs era, when the Hornets were riding high in the Premier League and filling out the terraces in the last days of Queen Street. He was an integral part of the suc-cess enjoyed in that period, culminating in the FA Cup run to Swansea. Seeing him line up on the pitch at Carlisle last year, a full 14 years later, is a remarkable feat.His willingness to put his body on the line

for the club’s cause was apparent from his early career and only served to endear him further to fans, his distinctive mask a consequence of a cheekbone injury suf-fered in the line of duty, and to have gone on to play with such distinction for so long is an outstanding feat.Of course, you can’t talk about Gary with-out remembering his goals. It’s not just the sheer numbers, scored mostly from midfield or wide positions, but his tally includes many crucial, spectacular, and otherwise memorable efforts. The goals that particularly stick in the mind include the cheeky finish as a teenager against Conference high-flyers, Yeovil Town; the last minute smash and grab at Tooting with two stoppage time goals in a 2-1 win; another last minute winner against Hun-gerford; and a hat-trick in a remarkable win over Sittingbourne. He even man-aged to make his mark on the new ground with that breathtaking volley against East Thurrock.So, while his playing days may be over, his career will live long among the fans to whom he has given so much pleasure over the years. Those records will remain for a long time to come and the memo-ries of those mazy runs down the line, the glorious goals, perfectly timed tackles and an aerial presence second to none, will continue to raise a smile among fans for years to come.Thanks for all the joy you’ve given us, Gary; a 100% solid Yellow and Green Legend.

John Dalby Chairman, Horsham Independent Supporters’ Club

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T H E M A N O F T H E M O M E N TThanks from Gary

Where has the time gone? It might be twenty-four years since I made my first team debut for Horsham but

it only feels like seven or eight, and when I think about all the games I’ve played throughout my career, all the grounds I’ve played at, the countless midweek away trips, the training sessions; it all seems to have gone by so quickly. I’ve been fortunate to experience some real highs, like playing at Swansea in the second round of the FA Cup and reaching the FA Trophy semi-finals, but to fully appreciate those sort of occasions you have to do the hard graft in some of the less glamorous places and I would say to any player making their way in the game right now, don’t wish games away because going to somewhere like Hemel Hempstead on a rainy Tuesday night and toughing out a 1-0 win can be just as memorable as winning a final. I’d also tell them to listen to those people you trust. During the majority of my time at Horsham, I had a brilliant relationship with John Maggs, who always looked upon me as a son, and it was he who suggested I drop back into defence as I got older and there’s no doubt it lengthened my career by at least six or seven years. It might seem odd to think of pushing someone who’s played all his life as a wide midfield player back into the centre of defence but it’s something I adapted to very easily. I also played in goal when I was at Bognor so I’ve pretty much played in every position during my career! As well as the highs, there have been lows, like losing the play-off final to Bromley with Horsham back in 2005, picking up that injury at Hendon that put me out of the game for nine months, and breaking my collar bone playing for Bognor. But, good and bad, football has given me some incredible memories and helped me forge some long-lasting friendships, not just with team-mates but with supporters too, many of who are here this afternoon, and I’d like to thank all those who have come along today to support my testimonial. An extra special thanks to all the players who have kindly agreed to turn out today. I’m sure it’ll be an afternoon to remember for everyone.

It has been an honour to play for, and manage, my hometown club, and to have made more appearances for Horsham than anyone else in their history is something of which I am incredibly proud. But I also had a fantastic time at Bognor and that is why I chose them as this afternoon’s opponents. We had a great run in the FA Trophy when I was there, beating some big sides along the way before losing out to Grimsby in the semi-final, and won promotion to the National League South. They’re a very similar club to Horsham in terms of support, togetherness, and how everyone helps each other out. The people there are lovely and I have the ultimate respect for the club and everyone connected with it. After so long in the game, it’s going to feel strange not preparing for a new football season but I’m looking forward to playing a bit more golf and spending more time with my partner Amy, who has been so supportive of me, especially during those times when things haven’t gone so well or when I’ve been struggling with injuries. There are so many people I would like to thank for playing such a huge part in my career, starting with my mum and dad, Jeanie and Roger, who along with my nan and grandad have been my biggest fans. From the early days of taking me all around the country when I was a youngster at Chelsea, right up to this season, they have been with me every step of the way. Then there’s people like Russell Mason, who gave me my first taste of senior football, John Maggs, Jamie Howell and Darin Killpartrick at Bognor, and the unforgettable Frank King. Finally, thank you to my testimonial committee of Mark Barrett, Sam Borrett, Mark Butler, John Dalby, Ian Dunscombe, Matt Jones, Annie Raby and Mark Wells for all their hard work in putting today together and to my employers, FC Lane, for their incredibly generous sponsorship of the game. Above all, though, thank you to the fans who, wherever I’ve played, have been so supportive of me. I look forward to being among them, rather than playing in front of them, from now on.

Gary

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WELCOME TO TODAY’S MATCH SPONSOR: F C L A N E E L E C T R O N I C S

Making the right connections for 56 years

Records will show that a private, family-owned Horsham-based company that is still around and prospering after 56

years is a rare commodity – even more so in the ever-developing environment that is the electronics industry. Proof that such companies do exist, however, can be found by checking out FC Lane Electronics Ltd, which celebrated fifty-six successful years in April this year.Older supporters may recall 1966, a year in which petrol was just 26p a gallon, fibre optic technology was used for the first time and the revolutionary Harrier “Jump Jet” made its debut.It was also the year that Fred Lane established his company. The highlight of the year was an England World Cup victory, something that was particularly appropriate for Fred since his off-duty passion at the time was football, in which he was one of the top referees in Sussex. In fact, in 1969, Fred had the honour of running the line at the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Leicester City. 1966 was also at the height of the so-called space-race frenzy which, just three years before the first manned Apollo moon landing, placed great demands on the fledgling electronics, computing, and communications industry to bring off man’s greatest technological triumph. SpecialisationFred Lane was by no means new to the electronics industry when he established FC Lane Electronics. From the outset his decision to specialise in just one type of component, the electrical connector, was a good move since connectors have been an essential part of practically every electronic product or system ever manufactured.FC Lane Electronics has long been recognised as a true interconnection specialist, representing many of the industry’s leading connector manufacturers as well as manufacturing and assembling in-house interconnection products. The company is also well known for operating at the high end of the connector industry, working with market-leading customers in sectors which include security, medical, aerospace, geophysical, communications and motorsport.The company has been based at Slinfold

Lodge since 1970. At the time, the Lodge was an imposing country house set in its own grounds but readily convertible into office premises and, crucially, with the space to build modern assembly and test facilities on site. Slinfold Lodge remains today the headquarters for FC Lane Electronics and the connector manufacturer Weald Electronics which, together, make up Fred Lane’s Lodge Group. Successful companies need great peopleA constant theme throughout the company’s history has been the quality of the people Fred employed. From the shop floor to the top floor, FC Lane Electronics has always hired the best talent available and many of the people that work at Slinfold Lodge have been with the company for many years. Simon Hammerton joined FC Lane in 1996 and, since taking over from Fred as Managing Director in 2009, has been keen to follow his example by recruiting top people and ensuring that FC Lane Electronics continues to give customers what they want, when they want it. Cue Gary Charman! Gary CharmanGary joined the valued staff at FC Lane Electronics in January 2020 as ‘Stores Manager’ and now leads a dedicated team of five people. For an electronic component distributor, this is one of the most important and crucial departments in the company. Gary and his team ensure that the accurate storage, order picking, packing and next day delivery of any combination of components from over 127,000 stocked product lines, is achieved every day. Simon comments: “It goes without saying that Gary performs his role exceptionally well, and we see him as a key part of our future along with his other highly valued team members. We are very pleased and proud to have Gary working with us, we are lucky to have the benefit of his brilliant work ethic and the enthusiasm that he has demonstrated on and off the football pitch. Although his retirement from football is a loss for the team at Horsham Football Club, having Gary working with us is most certainly a gain”

Visit www.fclane.com

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I N T H E H E A D L I N E S . . .A scrapbook of Gary’s time at Horsham through the years

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G A R Y C H A R M A N - A L E G E N D ?A tribute from Jeff Barrett

The definition of a person who is deemed to be legendary is ‘someone who has become famous or well-known, usually as

a result of distinctive or unique characteristic or skill’. So does Gary Charman really deserve that epithet? Someone well qualified to answer that question is current Hornets’ Secretary Jeff Barrett, whose own affiliation with Horsham Football Club both predates and succeeds Gary’s seemingly eternal playing and managing career, and he takes a look back on the last three decades for answers.Gary Roger Charman made his first appearance on 7th January 1981 when he was welcomed into this world at Horsham Hospital by proud parents Jeanie and Roger. He has lived in Horsham ever since.His football career started with Horsham Sparrows in the Horsham Mini-Minor League and he developed into a key member of the prominent team managed by Perry Begin. His talent was evident and he went on to play for Worthing Minors as well as spending time as a Chelsea youngster.Sparrows developed a relationship with the Hornets (indeed they renamed themselves Horsham FC Sparrows) and it was natural that Gary would turn to his local club to progress his career with the Youth Team and then the Reserves, managed by Alan Cook. It was not long before Russell Mason saw his obvious potential, giving him his first-team debut on 13th October 1998 against Wokingham Town.Gary has played in Horsham teams under five managers; Russell Mason, as mentioned above, Nick Coombe, John Maggs, Simon Colbran and, more recently, Dom Di Paola. He also took over the reins as manager at a difficult time for the club from late 2013 to early 2015. There has been an added bonus as he comes with Mum and Dad, Jeanie and Roger, who have been stalwart supporters and committee members over the years. Of course the financial and other problems confronted by the club over the years are well documented and for much of his time at Horsham he was playing in relatively moderate teams. He spent a short time at Walton & Hersham and, later into his career, plied his trade in then more successful sides at Bognor Regis Town, Lewes, Burgess Hill and Eastbourne Borough.Supporters and managers alike saw Gary as their talisman, someone who could change the course of a match with a single flash of brilliance. He had natural talent, great pace and ball control, terrific heading and shooting ability, and opportunity awareness that others couldn’t see. Arguably the manager who got the most out of Gary was Johnny Maggs. He understood

that players needed to be handled in different ways. Some needed a kick up the backside to produce the goods whereas others needed a proverbial arm round the shoulder. Gary was probably in the latter category and John would regularly substitute him moments from the final whistle, meaning that he would inevitably leave the field to personal adulation from the fans which I am sure boosted his self-confidence no end.The set-piece routine from corners will long remain in my memory. Gary would dawdle around the centre-circle until the kick was about to be taken and jog forward before swiftly crossing the penalty area and rising high above an unsuspecting defence. I don’t think we have an analysis of the number of goals and near misses that resulted from this tactic although it has to be said that eventually defenders got wise to it.In 2009, tragedy struck at Wembley Football Club (not to be confused with the stadium situated a mile or so away) when Gary suffered a severe head injury in an aerial challenge. It was a sickening incident witnessed by everyone at the ground and he needed significant facial surgery which kept him out of the game for some time. When he returned to football, he wore a protective face mask throughout the remainder of his career.It is a tribute to his talent that he was able to not only resume his career but enhance it by playing for Conference (now National League) clubs. Although he lost a little of his earlier pace, he developed into a fine and dependable central defender. It is fitting that he spent the twilight of his career at his hometown club, by now enjoying more success in our new ground. It has meant that he overtook the performance statistics of that other Hornets’ stalwart, Mark Stepney, with an amazing tally of 168 goals in 616 appearances. It would be nice to think that one of the youngsters currently with the club will beat those totals although I rather doubt it!So, is Gary a legend? I think his record ticks all the boxes in that definition and so I can officially declare that he is, and suspect that few, if any, would disagree.Enjoy today, Gazza. Sadly I shall not be at the match cheering you on as I am in France on one of my (many) holidays, but I don’t feel that bad about it as, at the time of writing, you are in the Dominican Republic and are following that up with a golf tour with your mates!Your retirement is a time to reflect and relax and I trust you will make the most of it. I hope you will keep in touch with Horsham Football Club. You know you will always be one of us. Jeff

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THE GARY CHARMAN LEGACY IS ALIVE!Kevin Borrett speaks of Gary’s achievements

Those who read the moving tribute in February’s edition of ‘All About Horsham’ will already have an insight into Gary’s

footballing achievements, which spanned more than two decades. But, on this special day, I’d like to pay my own tribute to Gazza and his time with, and contribution to, Horsham Football Club.With a record-breaking 616 competitive ap-pearances to his name, Gary is one of only two first team players to have played more than 600 games for the club. It’s also worth bearing in mind that had he not played for Bognor, that figure could have exceeded 700! That is a fan-tastic achievement, something that I suspect will stand as a record for a long time and one that, potentially, we may never see eclipsed. Why do I say that? Firstly, Gary started playing for the Hornets whilst still a teenager, with his ability enabling him to go on and play for the club at the highest level it has achieved in two different periods over the last twelve years. As recently as last season, and despite having turned forty, he was still showing us what he is capable of. Secondly, during all that time he has lived, studied, and worked in the Horsham area. Today, many talented young players choose to gain experience with different teams, or at different levels, which might take them away from their home town. Personal memories obviously include seeing Gary score many great goals with stunning shots, volleys, and headers, but it would be churlish to single out a particular one, so I won’t. A more painful memory I have was that fateful Tuesday evening in 2009, away to Hen-don, when Gary suffered what many, myself included, feared was a career-ending injury. From memory there was over half an hour of injury time played, reflecting the seriousness of the injury to his cheekbone and eye socket which necessitated the wait for an ambu-lance to remove Gary from the pitch. Regular updates on his condition were then relayed from the hospital to the coach travelling back to Horsham after a 1-1 draw.That he made a triumphant return, some nine months later, is a tribute to Gary’s strength, courage, and determination and one of the reasons why he remains an inspiration to many young Hornets, something that is so evident whenever he is at the ground, playing or otherwise. Gary was always willing to step up for the club and that included his willingness to take on the role of player/manager from November

2013 for a period of just over twelve months. That period ahead of the new ground being secured was one of the most challenging in both football and financial terms for HFC in recent years and created a real dilemma for the club officials whether to appoint Gary and expose him to those difficulties in what was his first senior managerial role. He was deter-mined to give it a go and his future prospect as a manager should not be judged on that short and turbulent period when money and other talent was in short supply. However, the Gary Charman legacy, which is the title of this tribute, is not just about Gary. While his playing record reflects his huge nat-ural footballing talent, it also reflects some-thing else - the extent of family support and, dare I say, sacrifices made by those around him, which have enabled Gary to continue to play for as long as he has. It’s absolutely right that the thanks of HFC extend to Jeanie, Roger and Amy as well as other family and friends. This family support goes far beyond watching Gary play or providing transport. Roger and Jeanie have served on the Club committee for many years and have made key first team matchday volunteer roles their own for many years. Like Gary, their support is for the club as a whole and not just one local, family, hero. HFC depends on extensive support from a large number of committed volunteers who prob-ably account for about 80% of hours invested across all age groups. In our new home at the CWCS, I now see new families both watching a family member play football and volunteering to help HFC. That for me is also an enduring part of the Gary Charman legacy as we say ‘thank you’ to Gazza himself. Kevin

Kevin presenting Gary with a salver for making his 600th appearance for HFC

‘IF YOU WERE PICKED ON HIS

TEAM, YOU KNEW YOU’D WIN!’

Martin Frogley

A lot of people talk about Gary as a Horsham FC legend, a Sussex legend and of course he is.

For me, he’s Gary, a friend of the family. We go way back to the early 1980s when mullets were cool and Bermuda shorts were a must-wear thing.We started playing football with Gary from a very young age and it was clear then he was special. We all thought we were good but we could all see he had something more than us.He could do everything and it annoyed all of us, but in a good way. If you were picked on his team, you knew you would win.I’m so proud of what he has achieved in his football career and he deserves this send off more than anyone. Enjoy the retirement Gaz but stay in the game, you have so much more to give.See you on the golf course soon. Enjoy. Martin

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‘A CREDIT TO THE CLUB AND HIS FAMILY’Nick Coombe

‘I KNEW HE WAS A QUALITY PLAYER WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE’

John MaggsAs Horsham’s reserve team manager, I was lucky to work with Gary very early in his

career and it was clear even then of the potential he had. When I was appointed first team manager in August 1999, Gary was always one of the first names on the team sheet (when he wasn’t injured!).Gary’s love of Horsham FC was obvious for all to see and was it great to see him develop as a player and person during the short time I was there. Whenever I have returned to the club, he has always taken time to speak to me and he is a real credit to the club and his family, who have also been supporters of the club including his brother who also played in the reserves. I remember a particular game at Windsor where Gary was outstanding, creating chance after chance that we did not take, and although he provided the assist that helped us take the lead, Windsor scored with the only shots they had to beat us 2-1.I strongly believe that Gary could have played at a higher level but that shouldn’t detract from what he has achieved. I hope he stays in the game and passes on his passion and love of the game to others. John Maggs, who replaced me, said “rather be a lucky manager than a good manager”. I am not sure I was either - I definitely did not have the luck - but Gary was the shining light in my time at Horsham and I wish him all the best in the future. Nick Coombe

It gives me great pleasure to be asked to contribute a few words of tribute for Gary’s well-deserved testimonial

match.When I became manager of Horsham Football Club, it was clear to me that the side needed to be rebuilt but how fortunate for me that I inherited a young, homemade, player by the name of Gary Charman. I knew he was a quality player with a bright future; very quick and brilliant in the air, especially from corners and set-pieces, he became one of the first players on the team sheet every week.As he improved, I produced a log on him so he could develop further but he always performed well and became a great fans’ favourite at Queen Street.As courageous and fearless as they come, Gary’s bravery on the pitch left him prone to injuries, none worse than at Hendon on a very cold winter’s night when an aerial challenge left him lying on the floor with severe facial injuries. Because of the fear of moving his neck, and to avoid making things even worse than they already were, we waited for the ambulance and medics before Gary was taken to hospital. He was a long time out of football after that and, on his return, he had to wear that now famous mask.Another stand-out memory for me came, coincidentally, on another freezing night in North London. Gary wasn’t feeling too good and was complaining of the cold. I told him that he would feel better - and warmer – by running around the pitch rather than sitting next to me on the bench so he was persuaded to play and his performance was outstanding. After the game he admitted “I enjoyed every minute of that!”Gary loves his football and has made a lot of friends throughout his long and fantastic career. He is also terrific

company, good to be around, and talks to anyone. Although he has played for Walton & Hersham, Bognor and other clubs, I do believe his heart is where his roots are and that is Horsham FC and all of their wonderful supporters, including his biggest fans of all, mum Jeanie, dad Roger, and not forgetting his dear nan, God bless her soul.It was my absolute pleasure to be involved in so much of Gary’s playing career and wish him a very successful testimonial. John Maggs

Gary played 14 first team matches under Nick Coombe, between August 1999 and December 1999

Gary played 571 matches under John Maggs, between January 2000 and May 2011

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“THE GOOD NEWS IS YOU’RE PLAYING. THE BAD NEWS? YOU’RE IN GOAL!”

Jamie Howell

Gary Charman must be universally admired by all the managers he’s played for in his long career,

but you’ll struggle to find any more praiseworthy of today’s main man than Jamie Howell, who was his boss when he made the move to Bognor Regis Town.“I always remember the day we signed Gary Charman” Jamie recalled. “I had tried numerous times and I could never pin down ‘Zorro’. I remember finally sitting down with him and, after driving home, Jack Pearce asked me how I had got on and I said I had signed him.“He asked me where I was going to play him and I remember laughing and saying I haven’t a clue! But I then reminded him about the advice he had given me before - that you can never have too many good players around you.“Gary was all of that, but most impressive was Gary the person;

always putting the team ahead of his own personal needs, happy to offer his experience to the younger lads, and a manager’s dream as he could play in lots of positions and would always be superb.“So much so, I remember bringing him into my office before a game and saying ‘Well Gaz, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is you’re playing, the bad news is that you are in goal as the ‘keeper has just gone sick!’ We drew 1-1 that night and Gary was superb as always.“I cannot speak more highly of Gary. He has been a brilliant player and an absolute pleasure to share a changing room with.“Gary - enjoy the break, and today with all your family and the wider football community that have enjoyed watching you throughout the years.”

Jamie Howell was talking to Steve Bone

T R I B U T E S . . . .Fans from across non-league pay tribute to GaryCongratulations, Gary, on your

magnificent career at HFC. We wish you all the best in the future, whatever

it may hold! - Annie, Ivan, Liam & Ianessa

Congratulations on a fantastic career and thanks for all those brilliant

memories! - Mark & Tricia Barrett

Many happy returns, Gary, on becoming the true Horsham stalwart! I have many memories of you pulling games back from the brink or simply putting your body on the line; quite literally up at Wembley FC versus

Hendon! I am glad you were able to keep playing and clocking up more

appearances for the Hornets! - SpelleCheque

Best initiation song, Bohemian Rhapsody, ever - journey home from

Margate away in 2019. A brief stay with us but not forgotten. - John Rattle

You’ve got to be a very special player to eclipse the great Mark

Stepney but Gary was a very special player. Scorer of a multitude of

goals that wouldn’t be out of place in the Premier League, and a

bravery and commitment to the cause that was second to none,

it has been a real privilege to watch Gazza over the last twenty-four

years and, now that he’s finally hung up his boots, I wish him a

happy and injury-free future. Thanks for the memories, Gaz.

- HH

Happy Retirement Mr Horsham FC. 616 appearances in the green and yellow, a record that will stand for years to come. Goals that will live long in the memory. A fantastic

person to top it off with iconic hair! All the best Gary. - Love from Paul

William Arnold

U P F O R G R A B S !Your chance to win fantastic football memorabilia

Following today’s match, in the clubhouse, we would love you to continue to support

Gary’s testimonial by taking part in a fantastic auction in which a number of incredible signed items of memorabilia are up for grabs. Topping the bill is a fabulous Chelsea football, signed by members of the Blues’ 2021/22 first team squad, while fans of their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur,

might want to bid on a replica shirt signed by an array of its former stars including Jürgen Klinsmann and Teddy Sheringham.Talking of legends, we’ve a Horsham shirt signed by today’s squad and a wonderful framed photo of the Hornets’ victorious Velocity Trophy-winning squad. Or, for the golf enthusiasts among you, golf and foot golf vouchers to the value of £170!

In addition, throughout the afternoon, we will be selling raffle tickets that could see you go home with one (or more!) of a terrific array of prizes that will be on display in the clubhouse. The draw will take place immediately at the conclusion of the auction. Tickets cost just £2 per strip or three for £5.Whether you’re participating in the auction/raffle or not, please make sure you join us in the clubhouse for drinks, music, and the opportunity to mingle and chat with today’s players. We’re open ‘til late!

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We figured you already know the Hornets’ current squad so, for the newbies amongst you, allow us to introduce you to the players who can collectively be termed as THE LEGENDS

ROB FRANKLAND – Goalkeeper/CoachRob spent many years undergoing therapy after a traumatic experience against Hornets striker Rob Collins, while keeping goal for Croydon Athletic. To help exorcise those demons, he joined Horsham himself in 2005 and recovered sufficiently to help the club win promotion to the Premier Division in his first season. Later right-hand man to boss John Maggs, Rob played just 38 times for the Hornets but remains one of the club’s most popular goalkeepers of recent times. KIERON THORP – GoalkeeperNot so much a legend as a what-might-have-been, Kieron joined Horsham in January 2014 as cover for holidaying regular ‘keeper Michael Hunter. As it was, the weather washed out any chance supporters had of seeing the ex-Crawley Down stopper in a Hornets jersey and had to wait until the following season before judging his abilities….for Three Bridges. Back-to-back Player of the Season awards and over 200 appearances for the Crawley-based club later and we thought it only right that we offered him another chance to play for the best team in Sussex. Horsham career: a big fat zilchNIGEL BRAKE – Defence/MidfieldScorer of Horsham’s first ever goal to be shown on BBC’s Match of the Day, Brakey’s ‘blooter’ against Maidenhead United in 2007 was included alongside efforts from Steven Gerrard and Everton’s Tim Cahill in the Beeb’s Goal of the Month competition. The strike was so awesomely spectacular that Hornets fans forgave him for having previously played for Crawley Town! Made a total of 131 appearances for Horsham, scoring 16 times. JAMES BIRD – DefenceSigned ahead of the 2001/02 season, Birdy was arguably one of the most underrated

players of John Maggs’ early years in charge. His importance to the team was such that Horsham lost just 18 of the 85 matches in which he featured, after being plucked out of the County League where he had previously played for Broadbridge Heath, Burgess Hill Town, and Horsham YMCA. Took a month before tying down a regular place in the starting XI, after which he failed to appear in just two matches in his debut season, the second being the Floodlight Cup final victory over Crawley Town. Gutted! Horsham career: 85 apps, 1 goalSTUART MYALL – Defence‘Disco Stu’ earned his moniker for his breakdancing celebrations one Tuesday evening at Margate, after netting a late equaliser for the Hornets in 2007, his first in our colours since joining the club from Eastbourne Borough the year before. Oh, and he also played 59 times for Brighton & Hove Albion! Total Horsham apps: 83, goals 3JAHMAHL KING – DefenceA beast on the pitch, a perma-smile gold-toothed softie off it, Kingy became a true favourite of the Horsham supporters for his wholehearted commitment in every game. Joined the club for the first of two spells at the start of the 2010/11 season and, after racking up 88 appearances in the amber and green, has the unwanted statistic of having been sent off more times than he scored! GARY CHARMAN – DefenceMade his debut as a 3 year old, back in 1846. Done okay since, scored the odd goal, picked up the odd injury. One for the future.EDDIE FRENCH – DefenceA legend among legends, Ed was at the heart of Horsham’s resurgence under John Maggs at the start of the Millennium, captaining the side to promotion and the Sussex Senior Cup final in 2006. Twice voted Supporters’ Player of the Season, French Dog would surely have played close on 500 matches for the Hornets had he not used the lame excuse of suffering a broken leg! Total HFC apps 374, goals 25

LEE LEE LEE CARNEY – MidfielderSo good they named him thrice! Arguably Horsham’s most influential midfielder of the last two decades, Lee had that perfect blend of talent and combativeness that saw him win many a match almost single-handedly. Announced his arrival in style by scoring twice in a 10-1 defeat of Bosham, and played one of the games of his life in the Hornets’ FA Cup defeat of Maidenhead in 2007 that earned him an FA nomination as Player of the Round. Scored 74 times in 356 appearances.JOHN WESTCOTT – WingerWas there a greater sight at Queen Street during the mid-noughties than Westy racing down the wing before delivering one of his pinpoint crosses on to the head of Gazza, Rooky or JT? Previously a pro at the Albion, John joined Horsham in 2004 from Eastbourne Borough and, as well as creating rafts of goals for others, chipped in with 25 of his own from 170 appearances. Player of the Season in 2004/05.CARL ROOK – ForwardPasta-loving former Hastings and Dover striker, Rooky arrived at Horsham with a bang in January 2006, scoring twice on his debut and getting red-carded at the Met Police a week later! And there, in a nutshell, was the career of a striker who scored at a rate of a goal every 1.83 matches. And that’s why we loved him! Chose the bright lights of Tonbridge over a trip to Swansea in 2007 but appeared vindicated when he scored a hat-trick against Horsham in 2008. B*st*rd! HFC playing record: 90 matches, 49 goalsJAMIE TAYLOR – ForwardEclipsing even Rooky, JT smashed an incredible 108 goals in 178 matches in three spells between 2001 and 2006, in a career that has been book-ended by Broadbridge Heath. Pioneered the first rocket-propelled boots that enabled him to score an astonishing amount of headers, despite being only 4’2”. A week of mourning was declared in the town when he left Horsham for Woking in 2006. Later played in the Football League for Dagenham & Redbridge.MICHAEL DEATH – ForwardShy and retiring Deathy donned white boots that were so dazzling for his Hornets debut that opposing Bosham ‘keeper Ashley Rochester was unable to prevent him from scoring his side’s final goal in a 10-1 hammering. Expect the current Shoreham boss to turn out in a gold lame onesie this afternoon. HFC career: 16 games, 3 goals

TONY NWACHUKWU – ForwardHFC’s finest homegrown player since Gazza (sorry Kirbs!), parkour-loving Tony back-flipped onto the scene in 2008 with a debut goal and went on to net a further 79 times in 275 appearances. With that many opportunities to practice, it’s a wonder why legendary PA announcer Frank King struggled to pronounce his name correctly! Voted most likely to win an arm-wrestling contest.SIMON AUSTIN – ForwardHorsham’s final season at Queen Street was also Austo’s sole campaign with the club. Having arrived from Maidstone United just after the start of 2007/8, he was never on the losing side when netting for the Hornets, with a total of 14 goals in 51 matches.HOWIE THE HORNET – Cuddler and high-fiverHowie’s longevity is almost up there with Gazza’s, with his unbroken seventeen years of service to HFC an Isthmian League record for flying insects. And that’s a fact! Although he comes across as a loveable, cuddly, and amiable character, Howie has held a secret deep-seated grudge against Gary for overshadowing his own debut back in 2005. All set to capture the hearts of the unsuspecting Horsham public ahead of the visit of Banstead Athletic, he found himself upstaged by the return of the Prodigal Son, who stole the headlines with both goals in a 2-0 win. Fortunately Howie managed to channel all his anger into becoming a double champion in the mascot Olympics, something Gary Charman hasn’t come close to achieving. So stick that in your pipe, Gaz.‘AWFULLY BIG’ JOHN KIRBY – Moral supportKirbs came up through the HFC youth ranks with Gazza, having been spotted playing parks football in the town, and was a first team veteran of some three months prior to young Charman’s debut. An uncomplicated, unflappable, and imposing figure at the heart of the defence, Big John became a huge favourite of the Horsham faithful and reached almost cult status when reinvented as a makeshift forward, proving himself as the perfect foil for Jamie Taylor in a veritable Little & Large combo. Tragically suffered a serious illness at the start of 2004/5 season that brought his playing career to an end but now imparting his wisdom as assistant manager at Seaford Town! Horsham career: 284 apps, 17 goals

THE LEGENDSPlaying in the Hornets’ yellow & green today ...

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Match SquadsRob Fr ank landK ier on T hor pNigel Br akeJ ame s Bir d

S t uar t M yal l E ddie Fr enchJ ahm ahl K ing

John K ir by L ee C ar ney

J amie Tay lorJohn We s t c o t t

C ar l RookMichael De a th

Tony N wachuk w uW il l Mi le s

D anny DudleyTom D ay

Har vey Sp ar ksG ar y Char m an

Char l ie He s t er- C ookL uc as Rodr igue s

Tom Richar dsDoug Tuck

J ack Br i v ioL ee Har ding

Shamir Fenelon

Manager : Dom Di P aola

A s sis t an t : Adam We s t wood

Ma t ch Re f er ee: L uke ChapmanA s sis t an t Re f er ee: S am Rumble

A s sis t an t Re f er ee: P ablo Agui lar

Ma t ch Spons or : F C L ane E lec tr onic sMa t ch B al l Spons or : T he Old Far t s S ocie t y

Programme: Design & Pr int by FootiePrint.co.uk

Manager : J amie Howell

A s sis t an t : D ar in K i l lp ar tr ick

D an B eckD ar r en BuddS ami E l-A bdJ ame s Cr ane

Ol i ver P e ar c eHar vey W hy t eC al v in D av ie sJ immy Mui t tA lex P ar s onsA sh t on L eighJoe Hanc o t t

Cr aig Rob s on

Tommy Far rJoe D and y

Ethan RobbChar l ie B el l

J ake F lanniganG av in Mc C al lum

Jor d y MongoyKayne Friedrick-Roberts

Na than Odokonyer oHar r is on Br ookS am Dowdr idge

Tom Hol land

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DAN BECKDan has been a terrific servant for the Rocks, having played not only in every outfield position for the club but also in goal! He amassed over 400 appearances in several spells for Bognor, whom he captained to promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2012. DARREN BUDDA familiar face not only to both Horsham and Bognor fans but across the county, Buddy is a vastly experienced midfielder who started out at Brighton & Hove Albion before spending three seasons with the Rocks. Joined Horsham for the first time in 2008, initially on loan from Eastbourne Borough, before returning in 2017. Won promotion with Bognor, Worthing and Burgess Hill Town during his career and pocketed £50 at the League’s recent awards night!SAMI EL-ABDSami is an experienced centre-back who joined Bognor from Peacehaven in 2016 and had a brief spell as player-manager before stepping aside, to be replaced by Jack Pearce, Darin Kilpartrick and a certain Gary Charman. Already an Isthmian League title winner from a spell at Whitehawk, Sami enjoyed further success when making the switch from the Rocks to Dorking Wanderers, whom he captained to the title in 2019 and helped them win promotion to the National League last season.JAMES CRANEA goalscoring full-back, who has also played up front, James joined Bognor from Arundel in January 2009 and has gone on to score over 60 goals in close on 500 appearances for the Rocks. Club captain at the age of just 18, he has had spells at Heart of Midlothian and Reading, as well as playing in Cyprus, and even had spent a season at arch rivals Worthing before realising the error of his ways and quickly returning to the Nye Camp!OLIVER PEARCEBognor-born Ollie debuted for his hometown club aged just seventeen and featured in both relegation and promotion campaigns with the Rocks until his 82 goals in some 260+ appearances led to a move to Worthing in the summer of 2018. Thirty-five goals in all competitions made him the

Isthmian Premier Division’s top scorer last season, helping the Rebels to the league title and taking his individual tally to 79 in just 140 appearances.HARVEY WHYTEPlayed for the Rocks during two loan spells before signing permanently six years ago from Havant & Waterlooville. Great ball control and a blistering pace makes him very popular with the Rocks faithful. Son of 1980s Rocks favourite Dallas Whyte. Began as a winger but is now an accomplished attacking midfielder. Current club captain.CALVIN DAVIESHaving progressed through the Portsmouth FC academy, full-back Calvin made his senior Pompey debut in an FL Trophy match at Exeter City in 2015. He played five matches on loan to the Rocks during the 2015/16 campaign, and a further thirty the following season, making the move permanent on 2017 after his release by the Fratton Park club. Missed two seasons through injury, he was a near ever-present in the heart of the Bognor defence last season.JIMMY MUITTA serious injury put paid to Jimmy’s hopes of making it as a pro with Brighton & Hove Albion but the Seagulls’ loss was Bognor’s gain as his twelve goals in 39 appearances helped the Rocks to promotion to the National League South in 2016/17. Previously at Lewes, he played more than one hundred times for Bognor before joining Dorking Wanderers at the beginning of the 2019/20 campaign, where he played his part in the Chicks’ successful promotion-winning campaign of 2021/22.ALEX PARSONSAlex started as a professional at Bournemouth, debuting in League One in 2012, and went on loan to both Wimborne Town and Bashley, followed by a spell in The Nike Academy. Loaned out by The Hawks to Hampton & Richmond Borough at the start of 2013/14, a permanent move to - and promotion with - Bognor came next, followed by over 130 matches in the green and white shirt. A member of the Rocks side that reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy in 2016 and promotion to the National League a year later, Alex returned for a

second spell with Worthing in September 2017 and made a substitute appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion in last season’s Sussex Senior Cup final.ASHTON LEIGHJoined Bognor in 2018 from Wessex League side Baffins Milton Rovers, and has impressed with his calm, determined play and ability to score vital goals. Got the winner against Cheshunt and Margate last season, and Bognor’s first in a 2-0 win over the ‘old enemy’, Worthing, back in August.JOE HANCOTTJoe had a short spell on loan from Portsmouth two seasons ago, and joined Bognor last season on a permanent basis. Became Portsmouth’s youngest ever first team debutant at just over sixteen years old.CRAIG ROBSONRejoined the Rocks last summer, having played with distinction for several years at Nyewood Lane earlier in his career. Moved from Bognor to Dagenham & Redbridge and then to Barnet, Billericay and Havant & Waterlooville. TOMMY FARRA local lad who was promoted last season from the Rocks Youth team, and has already impressed with his determined style of play. JOE DANDYVersatile defender who was previously with Portsmouth and Finnish second division side Pallo-Lirot. Previously spent time on loan at Bognor from Fratton Park. ETHAN ROBBSigned for Bognor in 2020, following his release from Portsmouth. Can play in midfield or central defence and has spent time on loan at Brentford. One of the first names on last season’s teamsheet, he scored against Horsham in a 2-2 draw at Nyewood Lane back in January although it should have been disallowed due to offside, or handball, or a foul on the ‘keeper. Probably.CHARLIE BELLHaving played twice for Portsmouth’s first team in 2020/21, Charlie was released at the end of the season and, despite interest from other EFL sides, he opted to join the Rocks, ending the season with 41 first team appearances, a sending-off, and nine goals to his credit.JAKE FLANNIGANJake spent time at Nyewood Lane in 2020/21 on loan from Havant and Waterlooville and has now joined Bognor on a permanent

basis. Began his career at Southampton where he featured in the first team. Has also played at Hampton & Richmond Borough. GAVIN MCCALLUMCanadian international who scored against Venezuela in his first start. Joined Bognor from Dartford last summer and has played for many clubs including Yeovil, Weymouth, Havant & Waterlooville, Sutton United, Hereford, Lincoln City, Eastbourne Borough, Barnet and Welling United. JORDY MONGOYJordy played, and scored, for Hastings United, Lewes and IK Gauthiod in Sweden before signing for Bognor in 2019. Has scored 17 goals in 44 appearances for the Nyewood Lane club.KAYNE FRIEDRICK-ROBERTSKayne began his career at Fulham before joining Manchester United’s Youth set-up where he played regularly for their Under 18s and UEFA Youth League sides. After leaving Manchester his footballing career took him to Greenwich Borough and Lewes before moving to IK Gauthiod in Sweden’s second tier.NATHAN ODOKONYERODeveloped in Chelsea’s academy before joining Lincoln City, Nathan moved to Bognor last summer and quickly impressed with his goal scoring ability, finishing the 2021/22 campaign as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals. HARRISON BROOKPreviously at Portsmouth, this young player joined Bognor last September following his release by the League One side.SAM DOWDRIDGE Rejoined the Rocks in March 2022, Sam is a pacy attacker who first had a spell with the club in 2020 on loan from Havant & Waterlooville and played ten games during his time in PO21. He spent brief spells abroad after coming out of both the Southampton and Stevenage Academy systems before he travelled to Australia and Cyprus in a bid to make a career in the game.TOM HOLLANDTom is a 26 year old English actor best-known for his film role as Peter Parker, aka Marvel Comics Superhero Spiderman. It probably won’t be him turning out this afternoon, then, more likely his young Bognor namesake who made three Premier Division appearances for the Rocks towards the end of last season. Or maybe neither. Who knows?

THE ROCKSPlaying in Bognor Regis Town’s green & white...

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A WINNER. A WARRIOR. A FIGHTEREvery team needs a Gary Charman

Steve Bone of Sussex Newspapers sport and sussexworld.co.uk reflects on Gary Charman’s time at Bognor – recalled by supporters at the Nye Camp every bit as fondly as Hornets fans look back on his Horsham FC service.

Every team should have a Gary Charman in it. If you have a Gary Charman in your side, you have a

chance - especially when you’re up against it. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a Bognor player, fan or manager who’d disagree with as they remember Zorro’s time at Nyewood Lane.He was a winner – a warrior. A fighter – just what is meant when people talk of players putting their bodies on the line. But he was a good player too. It would be doing him a disservice to talk only about his battling qualities.Charman joined Bognor in 2015 – at the start of their fourth season in the Ryman premier following promotion from division one south. Bosses Jamie Howell and Darin Killpartrick were trying to push the team on and get them to the next step – National League South.Charman’s arrival would be a factor in turning that team not only into one that WAS capable of promotion but also one that would get so, so close to a day at Wembley in the FA Trophy.Charman made his Rocks debut in a thrilling 4-3 opening-day win at home to Merstham, scoring for good measure.That season Charman started only nine games but made 31 appearances off the bench, scoring three goals.He was something of a supersub in the club’s run to the FA Trophy semi-final. They beat Taunton, Bath City, Maidstone, Altrincham, Sutton and Torquay to reach a two-legged Trophy semi-final against Grimsby, and after losing the home tie 1-0, Charman and

Co gave the Mariners a scare – Dan Beck making it 1-1 in the second leg before they lost 2-1 - 3-1 on aggregate.Charman was a big part of that season’s success, though it ended in double disappointment – for their trophy run left them with a ridiculous end-of-season schedule that saw them just miss out on the title then lose to Dulwich Hamlet in a play-off semi.But the following year, our man played a more significant role – with 27 starts and nine games off the bench, plus two goals, as the Rocks got that promotion. They did it via play-off wins over Wingate and Finchley and Dulwich, and Charman was pivotal to both victories in front of large and eventually jubilant Nyewood Lane crowds.My memory of watching Charman is of a player who always gave you confidence an opponent’s pressure could be repelled. I’ve scarcely ever seen a player win his headers as consistently as he did.He was not always the tallest on the pitch, but somehow he got his head on everything. And on the rare occasions he lost a header, he’d make up for it with an impossible tackle to halt the attack.He suffered plenty of war wounds, but you knew if he was forced to hobble off with a leg injury, or stagger off with a bandage round his head, he’d be back in the side next match.I asked Ian Guppy, chairman of the Rocks’ supporters’ club, how he’d remembered Charman, and he was quick to pay tribute. “Being a slight non-league badger I’d first heard of Gary Charman through Horsham’s run in the FA Cup when they played Swansea at the old Queen Street ground,” said Ian.“It’s crazy that this is now 15 years ago and he’d still have been classed then as a Horsham legend.

“In 2015 Gary joined us at the Rocks, and what a few years he had with us too. Gary was one of the stand-out players in the Trophy semi second leg at Grimsby - if only he’d scored that worldie... what might have been? Gary is one of only a few players that can be classed as a club legend at two clubs and you feel it’s fully justified.“In the relatively short time Gary was with us his endearing nature and the ‘give it my all’ attitude rubbed off on fans instantly – and a stint in goal versus Burgess Hill certainly helped!“An absolute superstar, he’s someone who will always be welcomed at the Lane with open arms just as he will be at his hometown club Horsham.“To have played so many games for Bognor but also have recorded over 600 for Horsham is stunning and this testimonial couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Congratulations Gary - I hope the day is as successful as your career.”Back to 2017, and after his part in promotion, the summer brought a twist that could have changed the course of his Bognor career – then another twist that put paid to it.

After Jamie Howell left to manage Eastbourne Borough, Sami El-Abd was named Rocks’ player-manager with Charman his right-hand man. Days later, work commitments meant El-Abd had to change his mind about taking the job, and while Charman was still able to do a bit extra on the training ground, his chance to step up to Nye Camp management level had gone.Charman remained with Bognor but his opportunities in the starting XI got fewer and further between, making just 11 more starts in total in their one season in National South and first back in the Isthmian premier after relegation.After a spell at Burgess Hill early in 2018-19 he played his final Rocks games in the middle of that season – ending his spell as he’d begun it, by helping them to a win, this one a 2-0 success... at Burgess Hill.Horsham fans know what happened next – he was soon back at his spiritual home to see out his playing days. And while Horsham is where he has superstar status, at Bognor he’ll always be a bit of a legend too.Happy retirement, Zorro! Steve Bone

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T H E M A K I N G O F Z O R R OHow Gary became the man in the mask

His face mask has almost become as synonymous with Gary Charman as one of his trademark towering headers. But while its protective qualities enabled Gazza to continue to thrill his supporters with some typically swashbuckling displays, it’s difficult to forget the horrendous circumstances that necessitated the wearing of the cast for the final decade or so of his career. One person who was at the heart of the incident was Andi Marfleet, Hornets’ physio from 2009-2017, who recalls vividly the events of the evening of December 1st 2009.

It should have have been a normal midweek away game at Wembley’s Vale Farm, the then home of Hendon

FC. It was just under halfway through the first half and I remember seeing Gary going up for a header, only to see him fall to the floor clutching his head and face. I immediately ran over and, following my initial checks to ascertain the extent of his injury, I knew it was a serious one. To minimise any further injury, and after Gary had told me that he had secondary pain in his neck and legs,

an ambulance was called to ensure a safe passage to A&E. It seemed to take an age for it to arrive at the ground and when it finally did, I remember a Hendon official suggesting that, if possible, could the ambulance not come on the pitch as it was already in a poor condition and this would only make it worse! I explained that the patient was not to be moved and that player safety and wellbeing was the primary concern, not the condition of the pitch!Once Gary arrived at A&E, x-rays and further assessments confirmed he had suffered a fracture to the cheek bone, broken nose and a fractured eye socket. With Gary dosed up on strong painkillers, the doctor decided to discharge him, advising him to attend a fracture clinic. The journey back to Horsham was horrendous for Gary as he was in excruciating pain as the drugs had started to wear off.Over the coming days, Gary and I kept in constant contact and at the first of his many follow-up visits, Gary was told that he would need at least one operation to insert plates into his cheek bone that would allow the recovery and repair process to begin. It was also suggested that Gary may never play

football again, especially as heading was such a strong part of his game. After a long period on the sidelines, the consultant finally gave Gary the all clear to start some light training and fitness work and, over the next couple of months, with the approval of the consultant, we incorporated heading back into his rehab in a safe and coordinated manner. In order to protect the cheek and nose from further injury, we decided to look into getting him a clear protective mask which was to be worn at all times during training and games. These weren’t as commonplace in 2010 as they are today and I undertook the task of locating a top-quality company that offered bespoke and custom-made masks. We finally found one in Central London (the same company that made one for former Chelsea and England defender John Terry) and, after a couple of visits, Gary had his new mask that made him look like ‘Zorro’.Gary finally returned to competitive

action with the first team on September 7th 2010, coming on as a sub coincidentally against Hendon, the side against whom he had suffered the injury. Later that season, ironically in the return match against Hendon some sixteen months after his injury, Gary walked out to a guard of honor on his 500th appearance for the Hornets. Gary wore his mask until his final game in March 2022, which I’m in no doubt saved him from further injury. This accident, which produced one of the worst injuries I’ve had the misfortune to experience in my career, would have been career ending for some but Gary showed immense strength and tenacity to play for almost another twelve seasons. Gary, you have been and will remain a legend of this club and today shows how much you mean to everyone at HFC. Congratulations on an amazing and very lengthy career. All the best, Marfs

Congratulations, Gary, on your testimonial

... with all best wishes for the future from

all the Stadium Maintenance

Volunteers

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Loyal Hornets supporter Andrew Deeley looks back on some of his favourite memories of Gazza’s Horsham career...

When I was much younger, I thought you had to leave this planet before you could be

considered a legend. That was in non-football terms. In footballing terms, I considered retirement a pre-requisite of those few players who genuinely warranted the ‘legend’ accolade. You certainly couldn’t be called a legend while still playing the game. During my time watching Horsham FC, there have been a few former players who fit undeniably into the legendary category. In 1996 we were lucky enough to win promotion with a fantastic team that contained Mark Dunk, Duncan Green and the great Mark Stepney, who went on to make a record 614 appearances for the club. All hold a special place in the club’s history but there is one player that broke my preconceived mould by landing the moniker before hanging up his boots.Due to ground issues, amongst other things, our team was on the decline in 1998 when a young player entered the scene. He had dreadlocks, he had all kinds of haircuts, and although he was probably finding his feet at the hairdressers’, he quickly made his presence felt in an HFC shirt and went on to find the net with regularity. That player was Gary Charman. Meanwhile, John Maggs had taken on the managerial role and our team was reborn. Within a year we had an amazing cup run, drawing Conference League leaders Yeovil Town away from home in the 4th qualifying round. Five coaches departed on the Saturday, only for the game to be called off at the last minute. Around a hundred hardcore fans made it back down to

the West Country three days later to see Gaz score his most high-profile goal at the time to earn a replay. We lost the tie but he was on fire for the rest of the season, culminating in a fantastic overhead kick to help secure a win at newly-crowned champions Tooting, a goal that is viewable on YouTube. It was an early sign of things to come. The Lardy Army always used to drink lots of beer after the game (and still do) and have always appreciated players joining them. It was (and is) a show of camaraderie between players and fans that really helped us then and still does. On one occasion it didn’t help, though. Gaz came for a beer or six with the Lardies after the last game of season and, during the course of evening, asked us why he didn’t win the Supporters’ Player of the Season award. Adie and I gave him our opinion so Gaz walked off and phoned up John. Maggsy then called the pub and asked to speak to us! He told us we were correct...he was third best player! Sorry Gaz! There have been many more fantastic moments in my time following the team when Gaz excelled. The 2002 FA Cup run was a good example, with our 4th qualifying round tie against the ‘students’ of Team ‘Bath another highlight. As usual, Gary’s aerial ability shone through and I remember a ball coming over in the home match that looked a little too high. Despite that, he leapt like a salmon and almost cracked the bar in half during a goalless stalemate. The replay in Somerset saw one of his best goals ever, a stunning effort from thirty-five yards, although we eventually lost on penalties. Perhaps the best moment of that cup run, though, was the tie before that, at home to Hungerford where his 96th minute winner made our old ground at Queen Street shake to its foundations.

A very important goal indeed, but Gary scored his fair share of those. Talking of salmon and leaping like one, now Gaz is retired, I can reveal the secret to his aerial prowess. Gary’s heading ability has always been amazing, and he told me he installed a basketball hoop at his house and used to practice heading tennis balls into it! Horsham juniors take note! Another favourite moment of mine was our last ever league game at our old ground. It was like a second home to all of us and my friends and I decided that, after the game, we were going to stay and have a huge party. Some of the players were going to go out in town then come back to the club. It got a bit messy, and we constructed a kind of encampment out of flags on the centre spot. We camped there for about thirty hours, not wanting to leave the ground, but Gary and Eddie French brought morning tea out to the fans. We all had a big hug in the middle of the pitch and, two days later, Gaz scored the last goal ever at Queen Street. It was fitting that it was him that scored it.His 100th goal for the club was special and the midfield of Gary, Lee Carney, Jacob Mingle, Lewis Taylor and, on occasion, Nigel Brake still gets talked about. There are so many other big moments and too many to list. I began this tribute by asking what constitutes a legend, and how do you become a legend whilst still playing? In Gary’s case I would say it’s by putting everything into Horsham FC for well over twenty years, living the highs and lows with the fans, and setting a record number of appearances for our team that I doubt will ever be beaten. That to me means Gaz was a legend whilst playing and will continue to be one forever. Without wishing to speak on behalf of Gazza’s legions of fans, I am pretty sure we are all in agreement when I say thanks for all the memories. We have enjoyed watching you, now come join us on the terraces!

Andrew Deeley

E VERY WOMAN, E VERY MANGARY CHARMAN: BOY, YOUTH, MAN, AND ONE OF US!

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G A R Y ’ S C A R E E R S T A T SAlmost 800 games across 19 seasons!

Club & Season

Totals League FA Cup Other competitionsApps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

Horsham1998/99 25 4 17 2 0 0 8 21999/00 37 9 33 8 0 0 4 12000/01 51 23 34 15 4 1 13 72001/02 49 21 35 16 4 1 10 42002/03 55 12 38 6 7 5 10 12003/04 40 16 34 12 1 1 5 32004/05 47 17 34 12 4 5 9 02005/06 32 16 27 14 0 0 5 22006/07 40 4 32 4 1 0 7 02007/08 44 9 30 6 6 0 8 32008/09 34 7 24 6 2 0 8 12009/10 13 3 8 0 1 0 4 32010/11 39 6 32 6 1 0 6 02012/13 37 5 32 3 4 2 1 02013/14 34 9 26 7 5 2 3 02014/15 16 4 11 1 2 0 3 32019/20 12 3 8 3 0 0 4 02020/21 4 0 3 0 1 0 0 02021/22 7 0 6 0 1 0 0 0Totals 616 168 464 121 44 17 108 30Walton & Hersham2005/06 7 1 6 1 0 0 1 0Totals 7 1 6 1 0 0 1 0Eastbourne Borough2011/12 23 0 19 0 1 0 3 02017/18 15 0 12 0 2 0 1 0Totals 38 0 31 0 3 0 4 0Lewes2015/16 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 0Totals 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 0Bognor Regis Town2015/16 40 3 29 2 4 1 7 02016/17 36 2 30 2 2 0 4 02017/18 14 0 13 0 0 0 1 02018/19 7 0 7 0 0 0 0 0Totals 97 5 79 4 6 1 12 0Burgess Hill Town2018/19 15 0 13 0 1 0 1 0Totals 15 0 13 0 1 0 1 0

TOTALS 776 174 595 126 54 18 122 30

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O N H I S D E B U T . . .How Gary fared on his six club debuts

Horsham 7 Wokingham Town 0Ryman League Division TwoTuesday 13th October 1998

Team: Lee Preston, Martin Lempriere (Gary Charman, 75), Jamie Sinclair, Danny Gainsford, Ochea Ikpa (Tom White,39), Ben Hackett, Junior Kamara, Scott Thornton, Germain Amanuel (Nick White, 77), Andrew Mitchell, Ryan Hackett Horsham scorers: Amanuel (2), Ikpa, Thornton, Mitchell (2), Lempriere

Bognor Regis Town 4 Merstham 3Ryman League Premier DivisionSaturday 8th August 2015

Team: Grant Smith, James Crane, Daryl Wollers (Jamie Horncastle 85), Gary Charman (Snorre Nilsen 52), Sami El-Abd (Chad Field 40), Craig Robson, Stuart Green, Jake Thomson, Jason Prior, Ollie Pearce and Alex Parsons. Unused Subs: Harvey Whyte and Terry Dodd.Bognor scorers: Prior (3), Charman

Burgess Hill Town 0 Potters Bar 1Bostik Premier DivisionSaturday 11th August 2018Team: Josh James, Tariq Richards (Sam Fisk,64), Tom Cadman, Ibrahim Diallo, Gary Elphick, Gary Charman, Jack Brivio, Dan Beck, Ben Hope (Pat Harding,76), Connor Tighe, Aaron Smith-Joseph (Charlie Bennett,64) Unused subs: Lukas Frantzen-Jones, Henry Watson

Hampton & Richmond Borough 2 Walton & Hersham 0Ryman League Premier DivisionSaturday 20th August 2005Team: Nick Gindre, Sean Thurgood, Lee Allum (Gary Haylock), Adam Thompson, Danny Lavender, Lee Riddell (Tristan Frontin), Neil Lampton, Sam Keevil, Scott Edgar, Gary Charman, Wes Goggin. Unused sub: Jaime ReiveEastbourne Borough 1 Farnborough 1

Blue Square SouthSaturday 13th August 2011Team: Rikki Banks, Darren Baker, Sonny Cobbs, Matt Smart (Ethan Strevett,74), Gary Charman, Gary Elphick, Steve Brinkhurst, Simon Johnson, Ian Pulman (Ben Watson,64), Sam Cole (Eddie Hutchinson,64), Matt Crabb Unused Subs: Ollie Rowe, SmithEastbourne scorer: Elphick

Harrow Borough 4 Lewes 1Ryman League Premier DivisionSaturday 7th November 2015

Team: Chris Winterton, Steve Brinkhurst, Leon Redwood, Junior Kaffo (Alex Laing,55), Stacey Freeman, Gary Charman

(Curtis Gayler,76), Henry Muggeridge, Lloyd Cotton

(Ronnie Conlon,71), Richard

Pacquette, Nic Ciardini, Yasin Ben El-MhanniLewes scorer: Laing

Massage in the comfort of your own home

Clinic now available on Shoreham High Street

Message on Instagram for details: @Re_GenSussex

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C O V E R S T A R !Gary on Hornets’ programme and magazine covers

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A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T SThank you to those who helped make today happen...The officials, players (past &

present) of Bognor Regis Town Football Club

The officials, players (past & present) of Horsham Football ClubHorsham Independent Supporters

Club (HISC)Testimonial Committee: Mark

Barrett, Sam Borrett, Mark Butler, John Dalby, Ian Dunscombe, Matt

Jones, Annie Raby, Mark WellsMatch officials: Luke Chapman,

Sam Rumble, Pablo AguilarMatch Sponsors: FC Lane

Match Ball Sponsors: The Old Farts Society

Programme Advertisers: Lines & James, Fall With Grace, Re-Gen,

Atspeed Steels & LintelsBelSigns

Andrew Relton (Bognor Regis Town FC historian)

Tommy McMillan (Bognor Regis Town photographs)

John Lines (Horsham photographs)Simon Roe (match photographer)

FootiePrint.co.uk (match programme)

Article contributors: Jeff Barrett, Kevin Borrett, Nick Coombe, John Maggs, Jamie Howell, Steve Bone,

Andi Marfleet, Andrew Deeley

Thank you Gary!... AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE!

FROM EVERYONE AT HORSHAM FC & BOGNOR REGIS TOWN FC