A DENTONIAN, priced out of watching Premier League football, has become a season-ticket holder at Salford City.
And Mark Hoswell, 69, has a visible presence at every game at The Peninsula Stadium as he displays a huge flag ‘Denton Ammies’.
Mark and son Sean have become converts to the club which has been owned by Manchester United Class of 92 members the Neville brothers, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt alongside Singapore businessman Peter Lim since 2014,
And in 2019, David Beckham also bought a 10 per cent stake in the club.
Mark, who worked for Tameside Council helping people with disabilities and challenging behaviour before retiring, has been a lifelong Red.
He was at the 1968 European Cup final and went to Old Trafford when he was able to stand in the Stretford End for ‘five bob’ which in today’s equivalent of 25 pence.
Priced out of watching United, Mark began following the two Ashton sides, Curzon and United.
But when both sides were away, Mark went with a friend to watch Salford City and became hooked.
That was in 2013-14 season when Salford, who were taken over that season by the Class of 92, were floundering in the Northern Premier League.
Mark has witnessed the incredible journey which has seen the Ammies win three promotions in five years, the last one seeing them elected to the EFL in 2019 for the first time in the club’s history.
“What struck me when I first came to a game was the friendly atmosphere which is why I became a regular,” he explained.
“It has been quite a journey with three promotions and two Wembley appearances.”
What is more it is affordable football for the pensioner and season-ticket renewals for over-60s are only £100, little more than £4 a match.