Championship Manager 01/02 Fan Completes 12,000 Miles Trip To Visit Non-League Club

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Huang Wenbin, a dedicated fan who completed a 12,000 mile round trip from China to ninth tier side Runcorn FC because of a save on Championship Manager 01/02.

Wenbin helped the Northern Premier League Division One side climb out of non-league to the Premier League, winning an FA Cup, Super Cup and the UEFA cup along the way.

He even signed the likes of David Beckham, Roberto Carlos and Edgar Davids on his way to unforeseen success.

As his love for this little club in Cheshire grew and grew, Wenbin dreamt of a visit to England and remarkably, 14 years after taking over the virtual club. he and his family bumped into club chairman Mark Buckley.

Buckley even gave the group a personalised tour of the famous stadium.

"The first time I made the decision to find Runcorn FC was in 2015," Wenbin told Mirror Football.

"I went to Liverpool by train to watch Steven Gerrard's last match at Anfield. When the train was parking, I saw a sign for Runcorn. I told my friend I will be there again to find my club."

After a few mishaps on the way to the stadium, Huang Wenbin told of his joy after someone was waiting outside the stadium on that day in 2015:

"We all breathed a sigh of relief when we saw that someone was waiting for us in front of the stadium. We spent over 24 hours to arrive in Liverpool from Xiamen in China," he said.

"We missed the bus station and got lost on the road in the countryside near Runcorn Linnets.

"We spent three hours trying to find the club. It must be my false for my poor English speaking and listening."

Club chairman Mark Buckley was the man who waited outside to welcome Wenbin and his family.

"It was quite humbling, because he was such an honest and polite man. I really, really enjoyed it personally. It was a fabulous few hours." he told Mirror Football.

"He has already emailed me umpteen photos and his thoughts from the day, so I think I've found myself a pen pal for life, which is brilliant and I'm looking forward to keeping in touch. He's a thoroughly decent bloke."

r

If you're a huge Football Manager/Championship Manager fan like myself, you can't help but admire the dedication Wenbin has shown to his beloved Runcorn FC.

What a brilliant story.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: SPORT, Football News, Football, Non League

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_