Woking with The Pars

A compelling story we felt was worth sharing with our wider fan base.

DAFC were absolutely delighted to welcome two surprise visitors to East End Park on Saturday. Brothers, Philip and Jon Davies, attended East End Park for the first time to watch our match with Ayr United.

Philip explained how the visit had come about “as a 10 year old living in Woking I collected football programmes, so in 1955 I wrote to every Scottish League club and asked them to send me a programme from a recent match. Only the Pars responded sending me a club programme at that time, although sadly my collection has been lost in the mists of time. However, ever since the Pars have always been my Scottish club, although Saturday was my first visit.”

It had been on Philip’s bucket list to see the Pars play, and he was able to realise a 60 year ambition. Philip now lives on Dartmoor, and he started his journey on Friday by car to Woking (180 miles), to meet up with his brother Jon. A 6am start followed on Saturday to catch a flight to Edinburgh, and then two buses to reach East End Park. Philip and Jon returned home on Sunday afternoon.

Philip has supported Woking F.C. for 67 years, and brother Jon was Woking chairman for several successful years (such as reaching Wembley) and was responsible for the building of the main stand at Woking.

Ross McArthur, Managing Director, DAFC commented:-

“It was an absolute pleasure meeting Philip and Jon on Saturday, and hearing about their story stretching back 60 years. Only in football could you hear of such a thing, and it was incredible how much time and effort they had taken even to get to the game. It was also interesting to hear about Jon’s involvement as Chairman at Woking F.C. and he was able to give me a few wise words before the game! They were both absolute gentlemen and are welcome back to the club any time”

Jon added:-

“I would like to thank Ross and everyone at DAFC for the fantastic welcome Philip and I were given when we came to watch the game last Saturday. It was a great day for both of us, but especially Philip as it was his childhood ambition to see his Scottish team play. From talking to supporters in the bus, bar and board room it is a club that all are proud to be part of.

"Being associated with Woking F.C. for many years I understand the drive and ambition you all have to reach the highest tier, and although there may be many roads to travel and then pitches to play on, that is of course where you deservedly belong! I will be watching the scores and supporting my Scottish team”

The final word has to go to Philip who stated “thank you for helping my brother Jon and I have a great day out. It was a very special day for me - a day I have waited 60 years for!

It was a real privilege to be made so welcome by everyone we met at the club. Hopefully the club's problems are behind them and I wish you a successful future on and off the pitch.”

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