Meet the Supporter: Steven Crawford

MEDIA officer and Football Writer for the News Letter, Steven Crawford, is asked a series of questions on his life as a Bannsider…

1. How long have you supported Coleraine?

Longer than I care to remember…over 35 years now!

2. What’s your first memory?

My first proper memory is my dad taking me along to the Cup Winners’ Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur back in 1982. I was awestruck, not by the Spurs players, but by the chance to meet the famous Dessie Dickson!

3. Any funny stories from your time as a supporter?

Too many…there is always plenty of craic and banter in the press box.

4. Your favourite current player/past player?

We are fortunate to have such a fantastic squad of players at the club at the minute, but if I had to pick one it would probably be Chris Johns. I keep a bit of goals myself so I can really appreciate how easy he makes it look. He’s so calm and composed in everything he does, he makes it all look so easy. He’s one of the main reasons, I think anyway, why we are doing so well.

Growing up I had quite a few favourite players down the years, from Felix Healy to Derek Cook to Tony Gorman, but the one man who I loved was Pat McAllister. He was the heartbeat of that side. He summed that up perfectly in the 2003 Irish Cup final. He gave everything that day. That tackle in the last few minutes was what he was all about.

5. Your favourite away trip?

I always like going to Mourneview Park. It’s a good ground, great pitch and we always seem to get a great game down there.

6. Your favourite goal?

There has been many great goals down the years, but the important ones will always stick out. Jody Tolan’s cup winner in 2003 wasn’t a classic goal but it meant so much. James McLaughlin’s header in the semi-final last season was another very memorable goal. It was very difficult to stay composed after that one…thank God there wasn’t much time left after he scored!

7. Any favourite matches?

Winning the Irish Cup in 2003 will always be the standout game, but there have been plenty more. The 6-0 hammering of Glentoran, the superb performance over Glenavon on Sky, the League Cup semi-final win at Cliftonville, the many drubbings of Ballymena including last year’s 4-0 win in the Irish Cup and last year’s semi-final win over Glenavon for what it meant to everyone at the club.

8. If you could sign any player from another Irish League, who would it be?

Everybody loves a goal scorer and I have to admit I’ve been very impressed by Andy Mitchell at Glenavon. He’s quick, powerful and can finish too. He would compliment our already impressive striking options.