Interview

Forza Coleraine!

COLERAINE FC launched their Online Club Shop nearly three weeks ago and it has proven to be very popular as supporters have gotten their hands on kit, merchandise and other items…

However, the deliveries just haven’t been to the rest of Northern Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom.

The Bannsiders received an order from Bologna, Italy, and we caught up with Andrea Lai as to why he has an affiliation with a club thousands of miles away.

“The unpredictable relationship between me and Coleraine FC was born thanks to the very famous videogame/managing simulation Football Manager,” he said.

“I’m from Imola (Bologna), I’m a supporter of Bologna FC, and my virtual experience in Football Manager brought me three years ago to virtually play against Coleraine FC in a friendly match.

“I realised that an adventure in the Northern Irish league would have been wonderful and challenging.

“From that day I played a lot with the Bannsiders and enjoyed the enormous growth possibilities of being a manager at The Showgrounds.”

Thanks to the power of social media, Andrea was able to make contact with Coleraine supporters and was delighted to be able to have merchandise delivered to his home.

“Back to the real world, I have made contact with Coleraine supporters through Facebook groups,” he added.

“I already asked for more information on the Facebook group, but the moment I saw the post of the online shop opening, it was the chance for me to jump online and purchase some items.

“In the picture, you can see the items I have bought from the Online Shop and you may also note I’m wearing a t-shirt I got as a present from a friend of mine of a t-shirt worn after the Irish Cup win in 2018, as well as a customized mug I received for Christmas from my wife.

“It has been awesome to share my experience with you and FORZA (LET’S GO) COLERAINE FROM ITALY!”

You can check out our Online Club Shop HERE