"Do You Know Who I Am?” It's Ronnie Pickering

In this episode of Chorley FC Stories, former captain Ronnie Pickering looks back on a remarkable playing career with Chorley FC, making more than 400 appearances for the club he grew up supporting.

Having been raised in Chorley, Ronnie already knew Victory Park well before pulling on the shirt, watching some of the club’s great sides and dreaming of one day playing there himself. That dream became reality when he was invited down to training, progressed through the reserves and eventually broke into the first team.

Ronnie shares vivid memories of what football was like in those days, balancing full-time work with training and matches, and being part of a dressing room that was basic, tough and built on strong personalities. As a local player, he speaks openly about the pride of representing his hometown club, where results on a Saturday didn’t just stay on the pitch but followed you into the pubs and streets of Chorley.

The conversation brings to life some unforgettable moments, including a famous victory over Wimbledon, battles with physical opponents, and the camaraderie that comes from playing alongside teammates week in, week out. Ronnie also reflects on how the game has changed, from the role of referees to the influence of money in modern football.

With humour, honesty and plenty of character, Ronnie’s story captures a time when football was raw, local and deeply connected to the community. His memories are a reminder of what it meant to play for Chorley FC not just as a footballer, but as someone representing the town itself.

This episode forms part of the Chorley FC Stories heritage project led by Chorley FC Community Foundation, capturing and preserving the voices and memories of those connected to the club so that the history and spirit of Chorley FC can continue to be shared with future generations.