| Flare up in the Carlisle Grounds |
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| Tuesday, 28 November 2006 | |
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I really enjoyed the last game of the season. A trip to Bray, a place I hadn’t visited since we beat Greystones in the FAI Cup a few seasons ago. Predictably, there was a flare up, but although Choice was red-carded, the real action unfolded under the ‘Big Top’ that doubles as a grandstand for the Wicklow faithful who support the Wanderers. What’s all this about a ‘Big Top’ then. Have we descended to the level of clowning about circus-style following the departure of Sean Connor, a man who is in danger of becoming the most unpopular manager we ever had. No. We are not clowning about. But the supporter who set off the flare in the closing minutes found himself targeted by stewards, security personnel and even the Gardai. And the reason? He could have melted the plastic canvas roof of the stand. Fair enough. But Bray Wanderers must accept the majority of the blame for this one. Firstly, does this roof meet all the safety guidelines of the ‘high standards’ which, apparently, all clubs must comply with. Would, for example, Sligo Rovers be permitted to erect a canvas style structure in the Showgrounds? I doubt it, but maybe I am being unfair to the legislators in arriving at that conclusion. I did not see one warning sign in the ground advising patrons to take extra care in the stand with the flammable roof. What if it had started to melt? Would it have caught fire? Was the material fire retardant? All very well ‘having a go’ at the supporter, but surely Bray Wanderers officials are sufficiently clued-in to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to safety at games. They were concerned enough to prevent any encroachment on the pitch at the end of the game. Maybe the grass is not fire retardant! On the pitch, the entertainment was good. Down to 10 men and a goal down. It was the perfect platform for the players to impress the new manager. Maybe we should play with 10 all the time as we certainly sprayed the passes around the pitch. The equaliser was well overdue and we could have won, but it didn’t really matter, once we got a point and consolidated fifth position. I hadn’t heard the new song before, but it was great. “We’re all dreaming of a team of Gerry Carrs” chanted the travelling red army. “Number one is Gerry Carr, number twooooo is Gerry Carr” Would it be an idea to organise the supporters for an evening of chanting and record a CD of favourite Sligo Rovers songs. Couldn’t we call it ‘Simply Red’ and play it before home games at full volume. Add to the atmosphere and all that. A bit of censorship might be required. Could the supporters ease off on the negative remarks about Sean Connor? It’s not necessary, he did a good job at the club, like him or not, and I have no major views on the matter as I never met the man. Could the supporters also do some studying during the close season. As the Bray supporters pointed out in response to the taunt “Small team in Dublin” – they are actually in Wicklow. And “Gary O’Connor, you’re a w**ker” was completely lost on the Bray ‘keeper, a Navan man called Gary Rogers, but he took it well, especially when it turned into “We don’t even know your name.” As the stadium announcer said at the end – “We can’t wait for next March and the new season.” Looking forward to “Rob McDonald’s Red and White Army” already. What a pity the u-21s lost to Derry on Saturday. by Conall Collier |
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