SO DREAMS DO COME TRUE
After 15 years of playing in the North West Counties League, Ramsbottom United finally gained promotion to the Northern Premier League in April 2012.
Needing a win on the last day of the season, the Rams welcomed Winsford United to their Harry Williams Riverside Ground and in front of a season-best crowd of 548, they duly gathered the three vital points required with a 5-2 victory.
Leading the team out that day was local boy Oliver Booth, aged just 5¾, but determined to enjoy the occasion with his favourite team.
5¾ year old Oliver Booth as mascot, leads the Ramsbottom United team out with captain Andy Dawson.
Having lifted the silver-wear, the joint-managers invited Oliver to join them in the celebrations, quite a memory for such a young lad.
Young Oliver celebrates with joint managers Anthony Johnson (left) and Bernard Morley.
Oliver then joined the Ramsbottom United Junior set up, playing for his local team as the years passed.
Moving on just over twelve years, and this same Oliver Booth celebrated his 18th Birthday on 13th July this year.
Amongst his presents was a very special one, something that he no doubt dreamt about all those years ago.
Ramsbottom United manager Steve Wilkes had the now grown-up Oliver sign on the dotted line as he became a Ramsbottom United player, and, indeed, to complete a perfect day, he played for the team that afternoon in a pre-season friendly.
Just over 12 years later, a grown-up Oliver Booth appearing in a Ramsbottom United kit pre-season.
Ollie, as he is now affectionally referred to be his team-mates, remembers all the years with Ramsbottom United.
“I’ve played with the Rammy Junior teams since I was five, and always dreamt of making it into the first team when I grew up. That dream has come true.
“I’ve always supported the club, and it’s great to remember being part of the celebrations all those years ago.
“I’m now in the first team squad, and learning from all the experienced players we have. They keep pushing me on and I would love to become a regular member of the first team.
“On Tuesday I played against Radcliffe who are managed by the same Bernard and Jonno, and it was great to meet up with them again after all this time.”
All at Ramsbottom United are now hoping that Oliver can make another dream come true, and see the club succeed in their quest to return to the NPL after a two-year absence.
He would then be more than welcome to lift the trophy aloft again, although this time as part of the squad and not a mascot!
