The end of the line for Ryman League service

Wednesday 06th May 2009

IT WILL be the end of a broadcasting era when the last interview is aired on the official Ryman League Clubcall this week.

The League's telephone information line was launched in 1988 and has provided daily interviews for the past 21 years. But it is now coming to a close as editor Tony Incenzo has decided to step down.

In a statement posted on the Ryman League's official website, Mr Incenzo said: "When I approached the league chairman Alan Turvey with an idea to introduce a Clubcall line back in the 1980's, I didn't realise that we would still be running the service 21 years later!

"We have broadcast around 5,000 interviews focusing on clubs and personalities making the news. Teams we have covered like Yeovil and Dagenham have gone on to greater successes. And the line has been an important fund raiser for the league.

"At the peak of the Premium Rate telephone business, every major football club and league in Britain had a thriving Clubcall line. However, the industry has been greatly affected by the growth of the internet in recent years. But I am proud of the fact that the Ryman League Clubcall is the last surviving line anywhere with daily interviews.

"I've made a number of good friends throughout the league over the past 21 years. It is a fantastic organisation and it has been a pleasure to work so closely with everyone involved."

Visit the Ryman League website www.isthmian.co.uk