As unbeaten records go, it's not a bad one, but one incredibly loyal football reporter's ever-present run finally came to an end this weekend.
David Tavener had covered non-league side St Albans City for over 28 years, reporting in to the St Albans and Harpenden Review, taking in an incredible 1633 competitive games without missing a single one - home or away.
That was, until the weekend just gone, when his van broke down on the M4 and a delay in recovery services coming to his aid meant that he was unable to complete the last 170 miles to take him to an away match at Bideford AFC in Devon.
“I would have liked to have got to 30 years but it can’t be helped. I’ve been fortunate in that colds and illnesses have not been severe enough to stop me attending matches down the years...I usually leave early for games to cover for any mishaps along the way, but last Saturday’s game at Bideford was subject to a mid morning inspection...it is disappointing not to complete 30 years but it had to happen sometime.” said Tavener.
Friends and relatives have become accustomed to his loyalty to the club; he added: “People know not to invite me to weddings."
His one consolation was that the game he missed was a 1-0 defeat, so at least he didn't miss any goals for his team.
[via holdthefrontpage.co.uk]
(Image: Shutterstock)
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