Local award winning documentary photographer Julian Claxton was provided with full access to the intense scenes of the Lowestoft Town dressing room in the final few games of the 2015-2016 Vanarama National League North season that ultimately saw the Trawlerboys relegated from the league.

Meeting the management and team during one of the evening training sessions, the Lowestoft photographer was subsequently permitted into the dressing room with the players and management, before, during and after matches.

Speaking of this recent body of work, Julian said “I had been sitting on this idea for a couple of years and when I knew the club would be involved in a battle for survival, it seemed the perfect fit for a dramatic body of images.
“I wanted to create a series of photographs that provided football fans with the opportunity to glimpse life behind the dressing room door and thankfully Ady, his team and the chairman saw the potential this could bring in club and fan relationships”.

The rather intense and emotive images provide a truly unique insight into the world behind the dressing room door and unquestionably tell the rather sad end to the journey of the season through the emotions of the players and management.

Keen to emphasise the positives of the work, Julian who is a Lowestoft fan, says that his images open up the club, so the fans can see the passion and commitment.
“Throughout my experience with the team, I was ultimately so impressed with their attitude and professionalism, the passion and love for the club was evident from all the players and although it wasn’t the culmination to the season anyone wanted, their commitment was evident”.
Usually watching from pitch side, he commented “Generally us fans don’t really know what goes on behind the scenes. It’s only when I saw players being heavily strapped up before games and playing through the pain barrier that I could appreciate their will to play and pull on the shirt”.

A selection of around 20 images from the final few games of the season is being exhibited at the Crown Meadow from the 20th August during home matches. One such picture can be seen above, showing Joe Marsden on the physio bench prior to the warm up at Harrogate.

More information about the work and further images are available at www.julianclaxtonphotography.com

Terry Bullen