Unique treasure trove of fan of 90 years celebrated in Stalybridge Celtic book
A fascinating insight in to the history of Stalybridge Celtic is being released as a picture book.
The book, Bower Bulletin, contains the personal memorabilia of the late Eric A Dyson, who over a span of 90 years followed Stalybridge as a supporter, volunteer, commissionaire and local journalist.
Compiled by his son David and grandson Scott, the book brings to life Eric’s archive collection that includes excellent old photographers from the 1940s onwards, old programmes, newspaper clippings and anecdotes.
Eric’s father took him to his first game in 1933, and his last match was the 3-3 draw with Atherton Collieries in April 2023, meaning he was a supporter for 90 years, a remarkable feat in itself.
David said: “The book is a selected compilation of my late father’s archive collection of memorabilia on Stalybridge Celtic that he had squirrelled away over his long life and association with the Club.
“He worked for the local “Reporter” group of newspapers all his working life (60 years actually!!), had wrote the match reports for Celtic in the the 1971-2 season, and was a long time volunteer at the Club from probably around then.
“Operating as a local journalist and newspaper man, and as a volunteer around the Club, he was very well known to Club officials, managers and local dignitaries.
“After he died my son Scott and I, both Celtic fans, felt that the material was too good to just sit hidden in a cupboard, so we collated some select materials, and over the course of this last year, taking advice from some of his old journalist colleagues, and much support from the Club, we had the book designed and published.
“Scott and I have been very grateful to a number of NPL Clubs in giving their kind permission to print their programme covers in the book!”
Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris recently visited Stalybridge, finding out about the book first hand, with it providing an engaging insight into Tameside, Greater Manchester and north west non-league football and social history.
It is a project that may well inspire others to do the same.
The book is £15 from the Club shop on match days, but also available from the Club online for £20 including p&p.
It has caught the attention of the trade and local press already.
As explained to the Tameside Correspondent, David said: "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.”
All proceeds from the book will go to Stalybridge Celtic’s Community Youth and Women’s teams.
