NO matter what happens between now and the end of April, this season will go down as one of the most incredible in Worcester City’s history.
With more than two months still to go, the Blue and Whites have enjoyed their best FA Cup run in more than 30 years, played some of the best football in that time and are comfortably holding their own in Conference North despite not having a permanent home.
Thanks to the power of social media, the club is now known far beyond the boundaries of Worcester.
Two of their players have become internet sensations, admittedly for contrasting reasons.
Sean Geddes’ ‘rabona’, where he wrapped his right foot behind his left to chip the keeper during the 3-0 FA Trophy victory over Barrow in November, was viewed by millions online and voted second in Sky Sports’ goal of 2014 poll.
Shabir Khan’s body-slam on Stockport County’s Charlie Russell has equally taken the web by storm and even found its way on to Match of the Day 2 last Sunday.
But, of course, being on national television is nothing new to City this season. The famous FA Cup success at Coventry City and the first Scunthorpe United match were both featured in BBC highlights packages. BT Sport showed the replay live and the record-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat was another clip that went viral.
They have been in the national and global spotlight more this season than at just about any point in the previous 112. Talk about waiting for one bus to come along. It could be another 30 years before that happens again so they should rightly lap it up.
Their profile has risen far and beyond what they could have dreamed of at the beginning of the season.
Then there’s the small matter of money. Notwithstanding the six-figure sum generated by prize money, broadcast fees and gate receipts — the exact total of which has not yet been announced by the club — City have also cashed in on two players for the first time in years.
The sale of George Williams and Graham Hutchison to Barnsley and Halifax respectively brought in two separate five-figure fees and with the not insubstantial capital gains tax bill also paid off thanks to the St Modwen refund, the Conference North outfit are self-sufficient.
In the near future, club officials will also have settled on a ground-share deal for next season and possibly beyond, whether that be at Kidderminster Harriers, Evesham United or Bromsgrove Sporting.
Unusually, City now find themselves in a position of strength, something they certainly weren’t in at the start of the campaign.
This season has been the one that keeps on giving. It will be hard to top.
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