It’s November. England prepare to face up to the might of Brazil in Qatar. West Bromwich Albion, fresh from their 2-1 victory over Leicester City, shape up for a stereotypical footballers’ break in La Manga. Yet whilst Messrs Fryatt, Hobbs and Oakley remain in autumnal Leicester, Nigel Pearson, along with 21 members of his backroom staff travel to Newcastle to begin a two-day coast-to-coast cycle, via Route 72, to Carlisle for LOROS.

Soar Magazine, via taxi, train and on foot, caught up with the engine room of our famous football club as they reached Carlisle. We joined the exhausted staff on the team coach for the journey back and whilst they drew breath, we discussed what LOROS meant to them, how they completed the gruelling eighty-mile challenge and the camaraderie of an away trip with the lads…

“I think it was 25 years ago that my involvement with LOROS started and never in my wildest dreams did I believe that we would be able to do something like this. I’m so proud to have been involved.”

Club Ambassador and 1970s football icon, Alan Birchenall, is synonymous with charity work across Leicestershire. His dedication to those less fortunate has been rewarded with an MBE and the Freedom of the City. But despite 2010 being his 30th annual run around City’s pitch, this challenge was undoubtedly unique for ‘The Birch’ and one in which he was keen to praise his peers.

“The event was totally different to all of the charity work that I’ve done in the past. Initiated by Nigel, all of the backroom staff have played their part. The fans may predominantly care about the players, which is how football should be, but the people behind the scenes are so important to our great club.”

One of those men is John Cross. The club’s bubbly Power Coach is a prime example of Pearson’s recruitment policy and Cross’ impact on the group was noted by Reserve Team Manager and terrace idol, Gerry Taggart.

“John Cross was incredible. He stayed behind helping the guys out with punctures, or if their chain had come loose, all whilst completing the challenge himself. This wasn’t a trip for the faint-hearted and John was full of heart.”

For Cross, there was a genuine delight to be involved with his colleagues, including the likes of Chris Powell and Mike Stowell. They are household names to supporters, but just workmates to the genial coach, who was one of a select few who had prepared for the two-day test.

“It was a tremendous honour to be involved and to help LOROS in this way. I cycle quite a lot, but this has taken quite a few people out of their comfort zones, which is part of the fun.”

The Lance Armstrong of the trip, Goalkeeping Coach and former Wolves hero, Mike Stowell, explained the secret to his proficiency on the saddle. “I do quite a bit of cycle training with the goalkeepers at the club, as power and strength is essential for them. I’m sure that helped and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but in all seriousness it wasn’t a race, it was about completing the challenge.”

Joint Assistant Manager and Head of Recruitment,

Steve Walsh, who incidentally coached the former City Captain of the same name, emphasised the importance of mental toughness.

“I keep myself fit and go running in Rothley on Saturday mornings before a home game, so I think that helped. But most important was probably showing a mental focus and determination to complete the challenge.”

At the time of going to print, the team had raised £3000 online for LOROS, as a result of their collective efforts. However, it would be impossible to put a value on the exposure gained locally and nationally, the importance of which was highlighted by Manager, Nigel Pearson.

“LOROS provides a wonderful support mechanism and we are delighted to have been able to do something for them and to raise awareness of their work, which was our main objective.”

The media launch for the event was held at Graham Goode Racing on Lutterworth Road, who donated the use of their bicycles for the staff. Leicester City Football Club have since held an online auction for supporters to purchase the bikes that Pearson and Birchenall used, with the proceeds going to LOROS. Thanks must also go to Grand Prix Scooters, Boston Road, Leicester, who donated the use of one of their vehicles for Club Chef, Gary Payne.

Despite the serious nature of the challenge the staff faced, the three days away from the Belvoir Drive training ground offered an ideal opportunity for some old fashioned team bonding.

It’s fair to say that Chris Powell experienced some of that ‘camaraderie’ between Newcastle and Carlisle. Powell is one of the most respected people in the game. His role in the Foxes’ title win last season as a player endeared him to City supporters worldwide. He is regarded as a legend at Southend United, Derby County and Charlton Athletic, and such universal admiration did not go unnoticed as Pearson gave the conscientious former England left-back a role as player/coach. But was the man they affectionately call ‘The Chairman’, in light of his role for the Professional Footballers’ Association, prepared for the road ahead?

“The journey wasn’t luxury, I can tell you that. In terms of accommodation, just picture Fawlty Towers! I’ve also been in more pubs during the two days than I’ve been in during my life!”

Powell couldn’t hide his delight at the benefits of the trip though, in terms of staff morale, and urged other clubs to follow suit by doing their bit for the community.

“I’ve got to know people socially, people that I work with daily and as demanding as the trip was, I am sure the boss will come up with something else! We’ve led the way and I hope other clubs will notice what we have done and support their local charities by doing something themselves.”

A sentiment echoed by Joint Assistant Manager, Craig Shakespeare. The coach’s pragmatic and unflappable approach to the challenge resembled his attitude towards his work on the training ground, with City’s stars.

“We all get on with our day-to-day jobs and sometimes, unknowingly, forget the value of an organisation like LOROS. To take the time to give something back is very rewarding for us all and hopefully LOROS will reap the benefits.”

In terms of the route selected though, what was Nigel Pearson’s motivation to travel from Newcastle to Carlisle?

“It is a lovely part of the World and whilst it wasn’t exactly coast-to-coast, as in starting and finishing at the sea, it was still a fair journey. The route meant that we spent as little time on major roads as possible. We were able to take in Hadrian’s Wall, which will be memorable for everyone. But it was just a coincidence that I’ve previously worked at Newcastle and Carlisle.”

Head of Physiotherapy, Dave Rennie, will be one of those with some special memories of the current regime’s trek through the Pennines. Although when asked about his technical involvement in the preparation and the ride itself he picked out one particular individual’s performance.

“It was a case of get on your bike and get out there, to be honest. I gave Alan Birchenall a few pushes along the way, but I’m sure his version of events will be different! It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but I think the motivation was being part of the team and not letting anyone down.”

That work ethic and togetherness is something that Academy Manager, Jon Rudkin was proud of. Rudkin and his staff, including Coventry City’s 1987 F.A. Cup winner, Trevor Peake, have overseen a sensational start to their F.A. Premier Academy League season, leading them to the summit of Group B and in contention to repeat their glorious 2006/07 title-winning season.

“We always work together at the training ground and having all had the same aim from this, I’m certain that we have gained a great deal in terms of personal satisfaction. The atmosphere, throughout, was tremendous.”

It is that atmosphere that Pearson and his staff have cultivated, which is clearly integral to any future success the club has on the field. Charity bike rides won’t win you promotions, or even three points on a Saturday, but the gesture has no doubt won over the hearts and minds of people inside and outside of the game.

After years in the wilderness, there is finally a feeling that the Leicestershire community has a football club that they can identify with and most importantly, be proud of.

We’ve left the last word to LOROS’ Fundraising Manager, Diane Morris, who has worked closely with the club since the Groby Road organisation were named as their official charity for the 2009/10 season.

“We are eternally grateful to the club and their supporters, for their continual generosity. Nigel, Birch and all of the staff are true ambassadors for football and for Leicestershire and Rutland. We wish them all the best and look forward to working with them in the F.A. Premier League next season!”

To do your bit and donate to the cause visit

www.justgiving.com/leicestercitylorosbikeride and to learn more about the great work that LOROS do in the community visit www.loros.co.uk.

For more information about the companies who helped the staff complete this incredible conquest visit www.grahamgoode.com and www.grandprixscooters.com.