Every now and then there are moments when you realise just how great this job is.
That was exactly the case on Saturday when myself and Rich followed Chasetown FC during their latest FA Cup adventure.
Our idea was to film a fly-on-the-wall view of their day as they faced neighbours Halesowen in a derby clash.
But even we did not anticipate just how close to the action we would feel.
From the moment we arrived at the Village Hotel in Dudley to film the team’s pre-match preparations we were made to feel part of the squad.
Credit for that must go to everyone at the club but, in particular, boss Charlie Blakemore - surely one of the most likeable characters in the game.
He insisted that not only did we film the team eating their pre-match meal but we actually joined them for a bite - a really welcome feast of beans and egg on toast.
After that it was into the bar to watch Football Focus and the start of the Liverpool-Bolton game.
And it quickly became clear why Chasetown made such an impact on last year’s competition.
The spirit and humour among the lads was fantastic - Charlie works hard at forming a strong sense of unity.
The banter began as soon as we arrived - Lee Bullimore and Chopper Harris wasted no time in taking the mickey out of my hair.
The manager was also ready to trade quips with his players, pointing out how the boys from upmarket Lichfield used napkins, unlike their counterparts from the Black Country.
From the hotel it was onto the coach to travel to the ground along with team, management and supporters.
But the undoubted highlight for myself and Rich was being allowed into the dressing room to video Charlie’s teamtalk.
The sanctity of football changing rooms is normally jealously guarded, so to witness the manager giving final instructions to his players was a real privilege.
Again we felt like one of the squad standing there as Charlie addressed his players.
And what a speech it was as the boss ordered his team to make everyone proud of them with their performance.
He went around each member of the team, telling them exactly what he expected from them and just why he was confident they would deliver.
By the end of his talk every player must have felt like an absolute world beater.
Both myself and Rich were desperate to get out there and play ourselves after hearing Charlie’s address.
His players responded just as he hoped they would and until Bullimore’s sending off looked likely to win the game.
Once Halesowen had the extra man they made their advantage count - eventually battling to a 3-1 victory.
The journey back to the hotel on the team coach was an understandably subdued affair and we passed the time chatting to Baggies fan Chopper about the vacant manager’s job at Albion.
Despite their disappointment though Charlie and the boys rounded the day off in the right way, with a pint and chat back at the hotel.
Having spent the last three years or so covering professional football Saturday’s assignment was a truly refreshing experience that I will never forge
t.
We’ll both be taking a keen interest in Chasetown’s fortunes from now on.
People involved in the full-time game could learn a lot from the way Charlie and his team conducted themselves throughout the day, both during the run up to the game and in the aftermath of defeat.
Thanks should also go to everyone at Halesowen - particularly manager Paul Holleran and general manager Colin Brookes - who made us feel equally welcome.
Andy Toft is the Express & Star’s video journalist
Comment on Andy’s blog by clicking here
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