By Mike Pavasovic
LIFELONG loves of local football and local newspapers have been combined in a new book.
Bower Bulletin, which will be launched on Saturday, November 30, is compiled from programmes, cuttings, pictures and statistics found among the effects of veteran Stalybridge Celtic supporter Eric Dyson, who died in August 2023, aged 94.
It chronicles his deep love for a club that he followed for practically his entire life, starting in the pre-war days of the old Cheshire League.
More recently, he saw them rise from the North West Counties League to the Conference (National League) and back to the Northern Premier.
For a time, he even covered Celtic’s exploits as a match reporter, as well as serving the club in a wide variety of roles, perhaps most notably as chief badger in the days of the Bower Badgers junior membership scheme.
The book – subtitled ‘A lifetime with Stalybridge Celtic FC’ – was put together by his son, David, and grandson, Scott.
Both were brought up in the royal blue and white faith by Eric and like him are regulars even though they live in York and Chester respectively.
David said: “Dad told me his father first took him to watch Celtic in 1933 when he was only four. His last match was the 3-3 draw with Atherton Collieries on April 22, 2023, which means he was a supporter for 90 years.
“As a journalist he was very old school. He believed in accuracy and good spelling. That can be seen in his very neatly maintained records. He also collected a considerable store of pictures, reports, programmes and even some videos and DVDs of high-profile games.
“Scott and I thought it would be a good idea to combine them all into a book to raise money for Celtic’s junior academy and women’s teams.
“It’s not a history as such, but more of a compendium which ought to appeal not just to Stalybridge supporters but hopefully to Tameside football fans in general.”
Scott added: “For me, my grandfather’s collection suggests two things – a perspective of the club’s legacy and his passion for it over almost a century. Pride and passion – that’s inspiring.”
Bower Bulletin, which comprises 125 richly illustrated A4 pages, costs £15 a copy.
It should be launched at Bower Fold ahead of Stalybridge Celtic’s Northern Premier League West Division fixture with Witton Albion.