Meet the Supporter: Andy Christie

COLERAINE supporter Andy Christie is the next person to be asked a series of questions on his life as a Bannsider…

1. How long have you supported Coleraine?

I have been a supporter since the age of 12 or 13. I started going to games with my Dad who has supported the club all his life.

2. What’s your first memory?

My first memory was a 3-2 home win against Ballymena United. I didn’t know much about either side other than Rory Patterson was was destined to play across the water – which he inevitably did. Patterson scored a hat-trick that day and we beat them which was great. I remember Andy Smith’s penalty miss because we were 2-0 ahead and they pegged us back to 2-2. Smith went up and hit the advertisement boards with the penalty and we went up and won it. After that, I was hooked.

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

It has to be Aaron O’Neill jumping into the river in Haugesund on the Europa League away trip in the summer. I managed to get my phone out in time to record it. He was easily led into doing it – was some dive!

4. Your favourite current player/past player?

Past player is Stephen Carson – don’t have to explain why. What a player.

Favourite current player is Josh Carson. He shows a lot of passions for the club even though he’s only been here since the start of the summer. A lot of quality on the wing and brings a lot to the team. In saying that, it was close between a lot of players such as James McLaughlin, Brad Lyons, Jamie McGonigle, Ciaron Harkin and Chris Johns. It’s a tough one – but Carson just edges it for me.

5. Your favourite away trip?

Mourneview Park – great stadium to watch football and a few sneaky pints!

6. Your favourite goal?

My favourite goal was Johnny Black’s 119th minute winner in the cup away to Cliftonville. It was like slow motion the ball hitting the post on the way in. The celebrations went on for about 3 minutes and it was quality. The wind was brutal that night and it was a really gutsy performance. Black got a punch for his troubles, but he had the last laugh.

7. Any favourite matches?

My favourite match is probably beating Linfield 3-2 at The Showgrounds live on Sky Sports with the last minute winner from Stevie Lowry. It’s always nice beating Linfield and the atmosphere was electric.

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

It would probably be Stephen Lowry. He showed his quality in the Irish Cup final last year and bossed things in the middle of the park.