I took non-league side on epic FA Cup run but I’m better known for keeping Classic FM-loving crocodile in my living room

CHRIS WELLER made a name for himself with a series of upsets during a spectacular FA Cup run.

Now he has to make sure he keeps his pet crocodile very happy indeed by keeping the radio tuned in to Classic FM.

Weller, a former prison officer for 40 years at HMP Rochester, was part-time Gravesend & Northfleet manager during the 1990s.

And in 1995-96, he took then-Southern League Premier Division outfit all the way to the third round of the FA Cup.

Gravesend & Northfleet – who became Ebbsfleet United in 2007 – played a staggering TEN matches in the competition in that memorable season, culminating with a trip to Premier League Aston Villa.

The non-league Kent club came through the first, second and third rounds of qualifying before needing not one but two replays to get past Marlow and book their spot in the first round proper.

There, they beat Colchester United before needing a replay to get past Cinderford Town to then draw Villa.

Initially, the Fleet were given a home tie but conceded the advantage to play the match at Villa Park – and reap the financial rewards instead.

Gravesend & Northfleet put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost 3-0 to a side that included Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yorke and Andy Townsend as Brian Little’s men reached the semi-finals. 

But for Little’s opposite number Weller, he took a very different path.

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Because he decided to spend more than £20,000 converting his Strood bungalow into a home for exotic pets – none more so than his 6ft spectacled caiman croc called Caesar.

Weller, now in his late 70s, bought the South American native when he was just 1ft long in 2007 from a specialist shop in Kent after obtaining a council licence to keep dangerous animals.

His conservatory is an 8ftx8ft pool while the dining room provides “land area” for Caesar and a stable door allows the reptile to make his way around the house, which has a secure three-lock system to ensure the crocodile won’t escape outside.

While retired Weller does not have any human housemates, it is a very full house with three parrots, a cockatiel, a cockatoo, five ponds of fish and several terrapins – plus a monitor lizard who occupies the bedroom.

That leaves the former prison worker to sleep in the relative safety of the tiny converted loft – while he cannot leave the house and the animals unattended except for essentials.

But Weller would not have it any other way.

The ex-football manager told The Times in 2016: “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea… it takes a lot of expertise.”

I’ve raised him since he was a baby… as he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radio

Chris Weller on his pet croc Caesar

“Caesar is really clever. If he wants to watch TV, he lays his head on a cushion in one spot. If he wants to listen to the radio, he lays his head on another spot.

“He’s relaxed. He never gets upset about anything. He’s nice company. He responds to his name and will come up to you with his mouth open like a dog. Sometimes you get a grunt.

“Sometimes we pass each other in the hallway, he’s walking in one direction, I’m walking in the other. As long as you respect him, he respects you. We’re used to each other’s ways.

“Sometimes he bellows, it’s like a roar underwater. I think he’s trying to attract a lady, but I have to tell him there are no ladies around here for him. We have quite a good laugh.”

The pair hang out together, Caesar letting his owner stroke his head while they watch TV or play card games. 

But it took some time for the trusting bond to develop. 

Weller added to the Daily Mail: “When I first got him he was very difficult to look after and care for as he would often bite me – and it’s as painful as it sounds.

“But now he’s very relaxed and placid. I don’t think there’s any chance of him escaping – he’s not even allowed outside.

“He’s my closest companion and most of my day revolves around feeding, cleaning and entertaining him. Most people are terrified when they find out I live with a crocodile.

“But I’ve raised him since he was a baby. Now he’s completely docile. As he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radio.”

Weller openly admitted he “never wanted a cat or a dog” but instead wanted something far more exciting.

But he was confident he had what it took to look after Caesar thanks to his long career in prisons. 

Weller concluded: “I spent four decades keeping dangerous animals behind locks and gates so it’s no different here.”