With Gateshead equalling the longest distance travelled for a league game in English football history, after Truro City first broke the record in the return fixture back in October, Sky Bet are once celebrating the feats of loyal away fans.
After Truro supporters were rewarded with a bar tab at the Gateshead International Stadium, Sky Bet mirrored the activation they carried out for the reverse fixture in October, when 185 Truro City supporters made the equally daunting 900-plus round journey north to Gateshead.
To recognise the commitment of Gateshead’s supporters, the UK’s leading bookie is putting £920 behind the bar for the travelling supporters – £1 for every mile covered. A small gesture for a very big journey.
Around 40 dedicated fans are expected to make the journey south, with many taking Friday off work to break up the 15 hour journey.
The route? A mix of cars, trains, sleeper trains and even rail replacement buses. Results may fluctuate, but loyalty doesn’t.
Sky Bet’s Fan Spotlight is an initiative that recognises and rewards football fans who go above and beyond for their clubs, such as dedicated supporters who never miss a match or volunteers. The campaign seeks to highlight incredible stories from fans, particularly within the Sky Bet EFL, but on these occasions, into non-league too.
“Football fans are the lifeblood of the game, and these Gateshead supporters are taking dedication to another level with a 920-mile round trip,” a spokesperson from Sky Bet said.
“Our Fan Spotlight campaign is all about recognising those who go above and beyond for their club, and this felt like the perfect moment to step in.
“If you’re travelling the length of the country to back your team, the least we can do is to cover their bar tab.”
Head of Media and Communications at Truro City, Gareth Davies, added: “When Truro made the trip to Gateshead in October, it demonstrated everything that is so brilliant about football. The welcome visiting Tinners received was heartening and the admiration for those who travelled 920 miles, was warmly applauded by both sets of fans.
“The recognition for those who travelled was amplified by Sky Bet, who paid for a £920 bar tab for Truro fans. As a club, we’re delighted to be able to offer the same to Gateshead supporters who will be in attendance on Saturday.”
Gateshead manager, Rob Elliot, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters for the outstanding backing they’ve given us this season.
“To see so many making the long journey to Truro is a testament to their loyalty and passion for the club. We hope we can give them a performance to be proud of.
“Also, we’d like to thank Sky Bet for recognising that incredible commitment by putting money behind the bar for our away fans. It’s a fantastic gesture and one we know our supporters will really appreciate.”
