50 Years
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 5:16 pm
4/11/22 will mark the 50th Anniversary of my first Accies match, a 2-2 draw at DP v Clyde.
I saw a few games during the 72/73 season, and became a ST holder & regular from 73/74 onwards and was a ball boy & program seller for a few seasons.
I’ve seen us play in every division and most grounds & gone through the ups and downs over the years. I’ve seen us beat every top team in Scotland, and was there when we reached our sole cup semi final in 50 years (LC v Dundee Utd). I’ve gone to Accies matches longer than I’ve known my wife and closest friends
I introduced my son to Accies & he became a regular from the age of 8, even though his school was over the fence from Fir Park.
I was going to do something to mark my 50th Anniversary, e.g. hospitality……but I really can’t be bothered.
I still go to most matches home and away, and probably always will, but it is now out of pure habit. Enjoyment rarely comes into it with Accies these days. I have rarely felt so downbeat about my team, even during the dark days at Firhill and Cliftonhill.
I have always been what many on here would accuse of being a happy clapper, in that I never abuse my team, manager or board no matter how bad things are.
However I’ve realised that I hardly care anymore when we inevitably get beat or fail in some other way as I’ve become so accustomed to being let down by the team/club.
I have enjoyed going to u20’s/reserves etc & watching players like McArthur/Devlin/Crawford/Docherty/McMann…etc grow into excellent first team players when surrounded by seasoned pros like McLaughlin/Neil/Imrie….etc
I just feel that the club is now a Youth Academy with a senior team attached, rather than the other way round as it should be.
I realise that money is tight & I don’t necessarily subscribe to the accusations that millions of pounds have somehow been siphoned off, but I really feel that we should be doing miles better with the resources we do have.
I’ve always found Ronnie, Les and Allan to be decent people and always willing to speak to any fan. I don’t know Colin McGowan and have never spoken to him, but don’t share the vitriol towards him that may supporters do.
….the point of my post, well if someone who had been a loyal active supporter for 50 years is feeling this way about the club, how can we possibly hope to attract and retain any new supporters.
I don’t necessarily have the answers, but hope someone at the club comes up with a credible plan soon or Accies will not survive the next 50.
I saw a few games during the 72/73 season, and became a ST holder & regular from 73/74 onwards and was a ball boy & program seller for a few seasons.
I’ve seen us play in every division and most grounds & gone through the ups and downs over the years. I’ve seen us beat every top team in Scotland, and was there when we reached our sole cup semi final in 50 years (LC v Dundee Utd). I’ve gone to Accies matches longer than I’ve known my wife and closest friends
I introduced my son to Accies & he became a regular from the age of 8, even though his school was over the fence from Fir Park.
I was going to do something to mark my 50th Anniversary, e.g. hospitality……but I really can’t be bothered.
I still go to most matches home and away, and probably always will, but it is now out of pure habit. Enjoyment rarely comes into it with Accies these days. I have rarely felt so downbeat about my team, even during the dark days at Firhill and Cliftonhill.
I have always been what many on here would accuse of being a happy clapper, in that I never abuse my team, manager or board no matter how bad things are.
However I’ve realised that I hardly care anymore when we inevitably get beat or fail in some other way as I’ve become so accustomed to being let down by the team/club.
I have enjoyed going to u20’s/reserves etc & watching players like McArthur/Devlin/Crawford/Docherty/McMann…etc grow into excellent first team players when surrounded by seasoned pros like McLaughlin/Neil/Imrie….etc
I just feel that the club is now a Youth Academy with a senior team attached, rather than the other way round as it should be.
I realise that money is tight & I don’t necessarily subscribe to the accusations that millions of pounds have somehow been siphoned off, but I really feel that we should be doing miles better with the resources we do have.
I’ve always found Ronnie, Les and Allan to be decent people and always willing to speak to any fan. I don’t know Colin McGowan and have never spoken to him, but don’t share the vitriol towards him that may supporters do.
….the point of my post, well if someone who had been a loyal active supporter for 50 years is feeling this way about the club, how can we possibly hope to attract and retain any new supporters.
I don’t necessarily have the answers, but hope someone at the club comes up with a credible plan soon or Accies will not survive the next 50.