Last summer, Dean Midas spent four weeks with Willington AFC. during their pre-season, capturing their struggles after back-to-back relegations in his film titled ‘The Road Back’. In February this year, Dean returned to Hall Lane to record the remaining few months of the season for The Road Back Part 2.
He wanted to find out if the new management team of Stephen Howe, Lee Genner, Danny Lee, Lewis Graham, and Chris Storey could win the club their first piece of silverware in 50 years and get the club promoted and on there way back to the Northern League.
Founded in 1906, Willington AFC, the club famously beat the mighty Bishop Auckland 4-0 in the FA Amateur Cup at Wembley in front of a crowd of 88,000 in 1950. In 1973 they were also close to one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history when they drew 0-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking in February, Willington AFC Chairman Carl Whelpdale said: “What we’ve all managed to achieve in such a short space of time has been nothing more than remarkable. Everyone involved in the club should be rightfully proud of what we have been able to achieve so far.”
Recommended reading:
Mr Midas said: “Wow, what can I say. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of making Willington AFC The Road Back Part 2. It is an emotional watch. I hope the committee, management, team, volunteers, fans, and the football community enjoy it.”
The Road Back Part 1 received a lot of positive feedback. Comments included “Great documentary. Highly recommended to ALL football fans, not just Willington AFC” and “Superb documentary, it’s what grass roots football is all about”.
The Road Back Part 2 will be released on YouTube and Facebook at 9am on Friday (May 9)via Dean Midas Films.
