THE 1874 COLUMN – A different perspective, by Matt Waters

IN August, what was once a flippant idea at a meeting discussing fan engagement became a reality as at our home game versus Irlam.

We saw the launch of the unofficial 1874 Fanzine, entitled ‘2 Bags of Sand.’

Over the weekend, I, the 1874 Club Media Officer, caught up with Luke, the creator and Inspiration behind ‘2BOS.’

When speaking to Luke, he revealed the initial idea for ‘2BOS’ came from some more prominent football magazines.

He said: “The idea came about from seeing some articles in Mundial magazine.

“I shelved the idea for a while due to a busy period of work and with it being the off season, then, during the off-season there was a call to develop ideas for fan engagement and the idea popped back into my head.

“Here was an outlet for people to have a bit of fun with their club.”

Luke added: “I think a true fanzine needs to be 100 percent independent of the club, and then I went ‘live’ at the start of August.”

The name ‘2 Bags of Sand’, is something will stay in the memory of a lot of 1874 fans memories.

He revealed: “For those unaware, back in 2017 we had an FA Vase tie against Tow Law Town whilst we were still ground-sharing at Winsford.

“The game was called off and whilst in Lancaster, they thought that two bags of sand would be enough to get the game on.

“The game was re-arranged for the following Tuesday and we won comfortably.

“The whole thing turned into something of an in-joke.

“It was the only name I considered.”

This edition is the first of four editions for the season.

The next one is being planned for November then for close season and post season.

Luke told how much it meant having such a brilliant response.

“It’s been really gratifying to be honest.

“I’ve taken the last few copies with me to recent matches and keep getting stopped to make a sale, so it’s nice that word continues to get around and people are interested and enjoying the work I put into it.

“It’s a bit of a passion project really, so I’m just glad that people are sharing and joining in with that passion I have for 1874.”

> Read last week's 1874 Northwich column here

As ‘2BOS’ is only one edition old, Luke felt it like a fanzine is exactly what 1874 was missing.

He said: “Online club forums are far too reactionary, and matchday programmes are far too official for what we’re trying to do.

“Could you imagine the A4 centrefold I made of Kyle Riley appearing in the programme?

“Or former 1874 players in fruit hats?

“A zine is the perfect place to do that.”

If you’d like to contribute to ‘2BOS’ then follow @2bagsofsand on twitter or email 2bagsofsand@gmail.com