Matt Coughlan
@mattcoughlan.bsky.social
Non-league football fan | Author of Groundhopper https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/groundhopper and Turncoat https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/turncoat
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Matt Coughlan
@mattcoughlan.bsky.social
· Mar 31
Groundhopper: Tales from Football's Equivalent of Trainspotting
Matt Coughlan steps into the wonderful world of the groundhopper: in short, the collector of football grounds. While taking a light-hearted look at this growing cultural phenomenon, can Coughlan cemen...
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk
It’s the official launch day for my new #groundhopping book. I’d be delighted if you bought a copy (and several further copies for friends, family and vague acquaintances).
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/groundh...
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/groundh...
Harrogate Town won’t be in L2 much longer going on tonight’s showing. They did gain one new fan as my daughter loved it. I was pretty pleased the tickets were free after she attended a half term camp, so they weren’t second best in all departments if we count their community dept.
December 9, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Harrogate Town won’t be in L2 much longer going on tonight’s showing. They did gain one new fan as my daughter loved it. I was pretty pleased the tickets were free after she attended a half term camp, so they weren’t second best in all departments if we count their community dept.
It’s December, so I’m contractually obliged* to point out I have two ideal stocking fillers for sale…
amzn.eu/d/6BWui3s
amzn.eu/d/9LIKN38
*It’s not actually in my contract, but I feel compelled to do it anyway 🎅🏻🎄🎁
amzn.eu/d/6BWui3s
amzn.eu/d/9LIKN38
*It’s not actually in my contract, but I feel compelled to do it anyway 🎅🏻🎄🎁
December 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It’s December, so I’m contractually obliged* to point out I have two ideal stocking fillers for sale…
amzn.eu/d/6BWui3s
amzn.eu/d/9LIKN38
*It’s not actually in my contract, but I feel compelled to do it anyway 🎅🏻🎄🎁
amzn.eu/d/6BWui3s
amzn.eu/d/9LIKN38
*It’s not actually in my contract, but I feel compelled to do it anyway 🎅🏻🎄🎁
Completed all the grounds in the greater St Neots area with Eaton Socon tonight. Not something that’s going to attract a Futbology badge anytime soon, although I deserve it for enduring a poor game in the cold.
November 18, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Completed all the grounds in the greater St Neots area with Eaton Socon tonight. Not something that’s going to attract a Futbology badge anytime soon, although I deserve it for enduring a poor game in the cold.
Really enjoying the new Bunch of Amateurs series, which is worth checking out, especially if your game is postponed today. Personally quite relieved not to be standing in a field watching u10s this morning.
youtu.be/wMPPo8a4qxI?...
youtu.be/wMPPo8a4qxI?...
We Built A Club | BoA F.C.
YouTube video by Bunch Of Amateurs
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Really enjoying the new Bunch of Amateurs series, which is worth checking out, especially if your game is postponed today. Personally quite relieved not to be standing in a field watching u10s this morning.
youtu.be/wMPPo8a4qxI?...
youtu.be/wMPPo8a4qxI?...
Let’s go for a nice gentle ride in the Lake District while travelling up for a meeting we thought…
November 3, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Let’s go for a nice gentle ride in the Lake District while travelling up for a meeting we thought…
A rare gig outing for me and Mrs C tonight at The Hyde Park Book Club. Some great 80s inspired dreamy pop from Roller Derby. Well worth checking them out.
November 2, 2025 at 11:12 PM
A rare gig outing for me and Mrs C tonight at The Hyde Park Book Club. Some great 80s inspired dreamy pop from Roller Derby. Well worth checking them out.
The rugby is an ideal way to tick off Everton’s new ground. It beats u21s or a friendly, and since I got away with including rugby in my #groundhopping book (barring any library copies with remarks in pencil, or it being the reason for my anonymous 1 & 2 star reviews) I’m counting it!
November 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The rugby is an ideal way to tick off Everton’s new ground. It beats u21s or a friendly, and since I got away with including rugby in my #groundhopping book (barring any library copies with remarks in pencil, or it being the reason for my anonymous 1 & 2 star reviews) I’m counting it!
One of those non-league games tonight where it felt wrong not to be friends or family with one of the players.
Harrogate Railway beat Nostell MW on a pitch suitable for rugby, with one cracking goal and one calamitous OG. Always good to get to a new ground though. Nice elevated view and hot choc.
Harrogate Railway beat Nostell MW on a pitch suitable for rugby, with one cracking goal and one calamitous OG. Always good to get to a new ground though. Nice elevated view and hot choc.
October 21, 2025 at 10:05 PM
One of those non-league games tonight where it felt wrong not to be friends or family with one of the players.
Harrogate Railway beat Nostell MW on a pitch suitable for rugby, with one cracking goal and one calamitous OG. Always good to get to a new ground though. Nice elevated view and hot choc.
Harrogate Railway beat Nostell MW on a pitch suitable for rugby, with one cracking goal and one calamitous OG. Always good to get to a new ground though. Nice elevated view and hot choc.
Nice to see Harrogate Railway going well. Not least as my kid’s various clubs are limiting where I can get out #groundhopping. It was the very definition of a hard fought win tonight as they clung on to a 1-0.
October 14, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Nice to see Harrogate Railway going well. Not least as my kid’s various clubs are limiting where I can get out #groundhopping. It was the very definition of a hard fought win tonight as they clung on to a 1-0.
My 137 game run since I last saw a 0-0 came to an end, but I had the consolation of a penalty shootout as Harrogate Railway progressed in the league cup.
October 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
My 137 game run since I last saw a 0-0 came to an end, but I had the consolation of a penalty shootout as Harrogate Railway progressed in the league cup.
In a weekend of sporting highlights I’m glad I went to this even if it wasn’t the result I was hoping for. I suspect it will largely overlooked, but RL once again proving what a great game it can be. These highlights only cover half the incidents.
youtu.be/2PlApYGthEM?...
youtu.be/2PlApYGthEM?...
The CRAZIEST end to Super League match ever? 😮 | Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens Highlights
YouTube video by Sky Sports
youtu.be
September 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
In a weekend of sporting highlights I’m glad I went to this even if it wasn’t the result I was hoping for. I suspect it will largely overlooked, but RL once again proving what a great game it can be. These highlights only cover half the incidents.
youtu.be/2PlApYGthEM?...
youtu.be/2PlApYGthEM?...
A topsy turvy tie in the Alan Turvey trophy as Kingstonian came from behind to beat Merstham 4-2. Game was most notable for the best football pie I’ve had south of the Watford Gap and a couple of well taken goals.
September 24, 2025 at 9:54 PM
A topsy turvy tie in the Alan Turvey trophy as Kingstonian came from behind to beat Merstham 4-2. Game was most notable for the best football pie I’ve had south of the Watford Gap and a couple of well taken goals.
Successful day. Cricket team promoted without playing. Spotted my book in the wild. Continued my FA Vase journey seeing Newcastle Benfield beat Boldon CA 3-0 without succumbing to trench foot.
September 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Successful day. Cricket team promoted without playing. Spotted my book in the wild. Continued my FA Vase journey seeing Newcastle Benfield beat Boldon CA 3-0 without succumbing to trench foot.
Loved this…
youtu.be/nLrC53pszaA?...
youtu.be/nLrC53pszaA?...
The OTHER club taking over Barcelona | KICKING OFF: UE SANT ANDREU
YouTube video by COPA90
youtu.be
September 14, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Loved this…
youtu.be/nLrC53pszaA?...
youtu.be/nLrC53pszaA?...
Another Rhinos game for me tonight. It was armed forces night. Unfortunately, the only military inspiration Leeds had was the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. A dismal loss.
September 11, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Another Rhinos game for me tonight. It was armed forces night. Unfortunately, the only military inspiration Leeds had was the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. A dismal loss.
Wasn’t in the mood for groundhopping tonight. Maybe these will help.
September 2, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Wasn’t in the mood for groundhopping tonight. Maybe these will help.
I said I would write something for Groundhopper Weekly and ended up writing something that doesn’t technically count as #groundhopping but check it out anyway and subscribe for more groundhopping content
groundhopperweekly.substack.com/p/are-revisi...
groundhopperweekly.substack.com/p/are-revisi...
Are revisits worthwhile?
By guest writer Matt Coughlan
groundhopperweekly.substack.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I said I would write something for Groundhopper Weekly and ended up writing something that doesn’t technically count as #groundhopping but check it out anyway and subscribe for more groundhopping content
groundhopperweekly.substack.com/p/are-revisi...
groundhopperweekly.substack.com/p/are-revisi...
Looks like I’m off to Newcastle for the next round of the FA Vase after Newcastle Benfield’s comprehensive 6-1 win over Ilkley. Look out for a less than comprehensive write up soon.
August 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Looks like I’m off to Newcastle for the next round of the FA Vase after Newcastle Benfield’s comprehensive 6-1 win over Ilkley. Look out for a less than comprehensive write up soon.
Can’t help falling in love with that Leeds Rhinos performance, as they left Hull KR all shook up. Will it be Heartbreak hotel in the playoffs or will the Rhinos bring the Grand Final trophy back to the green green grass of home?
August 21, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Can’t help falling in love with that Leeds Rhinos performance, as they left Hull KR all shook up. Will it be Heartbreak hotel in the playoffs or will the Rhinos bring the Grand Final trophy back to the green green grass of home?
Harrogate v Barrow for me tonight. Same fixture that featured in the book 2 yrs ago. Same 1-0 home win. Better game, better under the lights, and I made a better choice of pie. Might have to go more often, especially if there’s more £10 ticket offers.
August 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Harrogate v Barrow for me tonight. Same fixture that featured in the book 2 yrs ago. Same 1-0 home win. Better game, better under the lights, and I made a better choice of pie. Might have to go more often, especially if there’s more £10 ticket offers.
With the football season about to start in earnest, my cricket season comes to an end, so here’s a blog on it…
mattcoughlanbooks.com/2025/08/15/c...
mattcoughlanbooks.com/2025/08/15/c...
Cricket Blog: Silly Point
With another summer drawing to a close all too soon and all those grand plans to go cycling around grounds in the Dales, get in some decent net practice, and watch a match from the pub on the bound…
mattcoughlanbooks.com
August 15, 2025 at 11:22 AM
With the football season about to start in earnest, my cricket season comes to an end, so here’s a blog on it…
mattcoughlanbooks.com/2025/08/15/c...
mattcoughlanbooks.com/2025/08/15/c...
Another Harrogate Railway game. Another 3-0 win. Could get used to that.
August 5, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Another Harrogate Railway game. Another 3-0 win. Could get used to that.
Yes, it’s nice to get updates about how my nephews are getting on playing football, but I can’t really post the clips and dissect the defending they were up against to promote the book on here. His sighting of the book in Liverpool Waterstones on the other hand…
July 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Yes, it’s nice to get updates about how my nephews are getting on playing football, but I can’t really post the clips and dissect the defending they were up against to promote the book on here. His sighting of the book in Liverpool Waterstones on the other hand…
Most notable things from Clapton’s surprise defeat to Basildon were not missing anything going to the bar during a stoppage (for one of many fouls), and the visiting GK deploying clearances out of that Bryan’s Gunn compilation late on. Atmosphere made the trip worth it as always.
July 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Most notable things from Clapton’s surprise defeat to Basildon were not missing anything going to the bar during a stoppage (for one of many fouls), and the visiting GK deploying clearances out of that Bryan’s Gunn compilation late on. Atmosphere made the trip worth it as always.