SPAIN’S magnificence in thumping Italy in Saturday’s European Championship prompted more consternation about the state of English football and how far behind Vicente Del Bosque’s side we are.

But there’s one aspect of football in this green and pleasant land that still stands alone as the best in the world and that is our non-league game.

As part of my role at The Bolton News, I am keeping tabs on the fortunes of Evo-Stik Division One rivals Radcliffe Borough and Ramsbottom United. Anyone who has been to either club will know what smart set-ups they both are.

Having covered the likes of Altrincham and Flixton earlier in my journalistic career, I’ve seen the commitment from so many local heroes in keeping these clubs alive.

It’s far from the millionaire lifestyle of Premier League players; there is no disenchantment from supporters here – just camaraderie that is second to none. And this country is unique for the number of clubs it has going down the steps of the footballing pyramid.

I once took an Italian friend of mine to Flixton and he was gobsmacked with the facilities so many levels behind the likes of Wanderers.

Nothing like that exists in Italy – or Spain for that matter. Outside of their top flights, it quickly dissipates to amateur level.

Having covered non-league football again in recent years in my previous role as Grimsby Town writer at the Grimsby Telegraph, it has reignited my love of the grass-roots game.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love watching the best players in the world perform at Premier League level but you cannot recreate the togetherness of a non-league encounter.

Cheaper admission, the chance to turn up and stand with your mates and not have to plan weeks in advance hoping for tickets – even the half-time pie tastes better. Then there’s the social side post-match of having a pint with the wholehearted players you have just been cheering on.

Many of the Grimsby fans I knew enjoyed going to places like Hayes & Yeading and Eastbourne because they had never been to an away game where they could drink with the home fans.

So when you have a free Saturday, I say get down to one of our non-league sides like Boro or Rammy. It’s a taste of real football we can be proud of.