Barcelona have Lionel Messi, Real Madrid have Cristiano Ronaldo and Charnock Richard have Carl Grimshaw, a goal-machine who is hoping to continue breaking new ground for the village club.
Since joining Charnock Richard seven years ago, Grimshaw has scored 307 goals in 271 games and, living in an area that’s home to less than 2,000 residents, has celebrity status.
A local farmer, he is known everywhere he goes and was even interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live last season after scoring seven goals in one league game.
Charnock Richard v Barnoldswick Town
The Buildbase FA Vase
First Round
3pm, Saturday 22 October 2016
Mossie Park
The club is playing in The Buildbase FA Vase for the first time this season having gained promotion to North West Counties League Division One.
But, despite celebrating his 32nd birthday this week, Grimshaw has shown no signs of slowing down, with 17 goals to his name already this term.
This weekend Barnoldswick Town are the visitors to the village, on the map for boasting the first service station to open on the M6.
And Grimshaw is determined to continue spearheading their charge to Wembley: “These occasions are what you look forward to and are the reason I joined the club seven years ago,” he said.
“I’m coming towards the end of my career but I want to take the journey as far as I possibly can with Charnock.
“Some people say I should have gone and played higher when I was younger. I scored 112 goals for Bolton Lads & Girls Club when I was 13 years old and I went into the centre of excellence at Man City, Man United and Bolton Wanderers.
“But it never appealed to me and I don’t live with any regret. I’ve enjoyed my career but also my home life and the fans seem to love me here.”
FA Vase history
Charnock Richard are competing in the Vase for the first time this season, and have so far seen off Whickham and Harrogate Railway Athletic.
Weekend opponents Barnoldswick Town reached the third round of the competition in 2012/13 where they were beaten 3-1 on home soil by AFC Emley.
Did you know?
Charnock Richard manager Andy Westwell has been in the dugout since March 2001. He is assisted by Dave Haslam, who signed Westwell multiple times as a player for Leyland Motors, Horwich and Chorley whom he led to the FA Trophy semi-finals in 1996.
One to watch
You cannot look beyond Charnock Richard striker Grimshaw. With 17 goals already this season his form is as red-hot as ever.
The prize
The winners will bank a cheque for £675 and take their place in the second round next month. There is also a £225 prize on offer to the losing team.
