Last updated : 10 February 2005 By Rave On Line Editor
• Issue 2
• Alloa Derby Special
• February 16th
RAVE ON LINE
The Independant Online Football Fanzine of Stirling Albion F.C.
"The Day Rivals Came Together" by Anton Davies
This article comes courtesy of life long Wrexham supporter Anton Davies, who has seen his side through all the ups and downs, and who currently watches as they fight for their existence. For more information on Wrexham's plight and to find out how you can help click on the link below.
Over a memorable 20 years of being a Wrexham fan I have seen a number of high’s and lows which have included us beating Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup and the club almost going out of business.
The later of these two experiences was a sobering one which would make any fan reflect on what could have been done differently and also changed the way I now look upon my club and local rival clubs and their fans.
There was a time when if we were playing Chester, Tranmere or Crewe Alex the local rivalry was intense and the thought of standing side by side with the fans of these clubs was unthinkable. Recent events have change all this and given me a new meaning to a game on Saturday afternoon.
Wrexham fans march through the city to voice their protest
Back in November, after our owner Alex Hamilton had systematically driven the club into the ground and transferred the majority of it’s assets into the ownership of another of his property development companies, a Fans United day was held at our home game against Bristol City. Fans from across the UK were asked to attend the game and stand side by side in unity to support of the club due to the fact we had be pushed into administration.
You could never describe in words the feeling and events on that day, it was at first strange to be sat amongst fans as far a field as Brighton and Darlington. Then to see fans from Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool stood side by side amongst us. Then the moment that changed the feeling towards local rival fans, stood with a Wrexham scarf above his head and openly wearing a Chester City F C shirt was a Chester fan, our arch enemies and only weeks before an intense local cup derby. This would have been a complete non-starter before this day, but now something that is encouraged and building bridges between rival clubs.
Supporters from different teams support their cause at a match
The whole two and half-hour experience was a very sobering one that saw unity amongst fans and made me and thousands of others think of the game in a different light. Imagine if, at every game, fans of each club mixed together and enjoyed the banter we can now only enjoy in the local pub or work place, imagine if fans of local rivals turned up to support your club when they had no game to watch, imagine no segregation or violence, just fun banter and rivalry. This is what made British football great and pulled tens of thousands to watch a game, no matter who was playing, decades ago. This is what made local people support their town club first and big giant teams second, enjoying a game is paramount and seeing fans stand together that truly love their individual clubs gives of an infections feeling that you want more of.
So the next time you look upon your local rival supporters take a step back from your initial emotions and think – ‘What would happen if our club went into administration, would I want them to help in the survival battle or stand back and laugh at your demise? I now know which one I would prefer and have seen, this is to stand in unity and experience a feeling that can only be compared to that of the British and German soldiers in no mans land on Christmas day in 1914, World War 1.
Anton Davies Wrexham FC Fan
The Stirling Albion Supporters Trust
After reading this article you may wonder what the chances are of Stirling Albion going the same way. To find out more visit the Stirling Albion Supporters Trust by clicking on the link below.
