Wanderers’ supporters have never been afraid to show their passion for the club, but one fan has taken his commitment to an entirely new level.
Keith Thripp, a die-hard at Meadowbank, has legally changed his name from Keith Philip Thripp to Keith Dorking Wanderers FC Thripp.
The change was made official on the 10th of September 2026, ensuring that wherever Keith goes, the Wanderers will quite literally go with him.
If that were not enough, Keith has also had a permanent tribute to Wanderers manager Marc White tattooed on his leg. The tattoo features an image of Marc accompanied by the words: “Marc White – The Gaffer.”
Keith was able to show the tattoo to the man himself during a visit to Meadowbank, producing a photograph that perfectly captures his passion for the club and Marc’s reaction to discovering that his face had become a permanent piece of Wanderers memorabilia. Marc would later autograph the tattoo, which Keith then had permanently tattooed, completing the look!
Keith was invited down to meet the team and watch a training session on the 24th of September. There, he joined us for a quick interview before mingling with players and staff behind the scenes. He told us more about his story:
“I was sitting on my bed one morning, getting ready to go to work, before I had this idea. I went online, found the facilities, paid £60, and got it changed!”
“I had fallen out of love with football (until) I saw Marc and the Wanderers on YouTube… and that’s where it all started for me! It was just the family atmosphere, the environment, the welcome that you get. Marc comes over and says hello to you! It’s (about) being made to feel appreciated and part of the journey… I love it!”
Keith was then reunited with the Gaffer, being described as a “legend” by Marc, who busted out his pen and signed the papers to become an official witness to Keith’s name change. First Team Head Coach and Director of the Academy, Jordan Clark, also signed the papers as co-witness.
At the end of the day, Keith was gifted a 26/27 home shirt signed by each member of the squad, as well as Marc himself.
Join Keith and the Wanderers faithful this Saturday, as we take on Chatham Town at Meadowbank in the Emirates FA Cup! Tickets available here.
