I have been a shrimps supporter for 24 years now and always find myself rolling over at stupid o'clock in the morning to flick on the iPhone and check BBC Sport for the latest score (not that that’s a reliable source on the odd occasion!
I remember my first game at Christie Park when the North Stand was a dream and all we had to put up with was a corrosive terrace with a white block wall which I helped paint as a kid once (and yes, they knew I was painting it!!!)
I remember the red railings instead of the solid block walls surrounding the hallowed turf and I remember rolling around the bar as a kid and my Grandad telling me off for not watching the game!
I remember John Coleman and Robbie Armstrong playing table football in the main bar with me and my friends as kids and handing me a pint of beer as a 6 year old (Mum wasn’t too impressed!!)
All these memories also had a down side, losing in the play-offs and crying for the first time at a football game!
But no matter what has happened everyday I always smile thinking of the games I used to watch and the friends I made and used to see on that terrace and I feel privileged. It is an honour to be a Morecambe supporter and no matter how far I do travel I will always talk about Morecambe and always say their name with pride and humble thanks which leads me to saying thank you to all of the players, the staff, the volunteers and the supporters past and present that have helped make this club the wonderful place I remember it as and the wonderful place I am sure it is today.
I will be on the edge of my seat on Sunday morning here in Oz and I know Morecambe will be there again for the play offs but for me not being able to see a place that I call home for so long makes it so much harder to say goodbye so please, to Sammy and all of the boys, give Christie Park the final curtain draw that she deserves!!
Good luck everyone,
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!