Meet the Supporter: Greg Calvin

COLERAINE supporter Greg Calvin is next in line to answer questions about the Bannsiders…

1. How long have you supported Coleraine?

I started going regularly to all home matches the season we won the First Division. The next season I started attending home and away and it’s really continued since then. Perhaps even earlier than that, I can remember my dad taking me down to Huey & Henderson’s in the town to get a shirt with COOK 9 on the back of it.

2. What’s your first memory?

Being on the pitch the day we won the First Division. I saw footage a couple of years ago and managed to pick myself out in the background. Also recall playing a Man Utd XI side around that time and being unsure whether to wear a Coleraine or Man Utd top. Proud to say I opted for the Coleraine one.

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

Too many to mention but the Stranraer trips were a great laugh without having to worry about the results. Couple of friends enjoyed themselves too much and couldn’t get back on the ferry on the Sunday evening…

4. Your favourite current/past player?

Past player is Stephen Carson without a doubt. When he was on his game he was unstoppable. Current player is Lyndon Kane. He’s doing what a lot of us in the stands would have loved to be able to do. I also think it feels like O’Donnell has been at the club a long time despite only joining in the summer. I think he shows great leadership qualities and could maybe be a future captain.

5. Your favourite away trip?

Haugesund in the summer. There was great camaraderie between all who travelled and everyone enjoyed themselves. Disappointing result but hopefully we are back in Europe again next year. Locally, I enjoy trips to Mourneview Park. You get a good view and it’s a perfect ground for Irish League football. I miss the Setanta Cup as a supporter too. It was great to play away at Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk for a change.

6. Your favourite goal? 

Davy Patton late on in extra-time v Donegal Celtic in the 2008 Irish Cup semi-final. Johnny Black late on in extra-time v Cliftonville in the 2012 League Cup semi-final. James McLaughlin late on in extra-time v Glenavon in the 2016 Irish Cup semi-final. Basically any late goals to secure a cup final spot!

7. Any favourite matches? 

Coming from 3-0 after about an hour to win 4-3 at Shamrock Park one Friday night. Incredible stuff. Mark Gillen got the winner in injury time. Beating the Glens 6-0 at the Oval is one I will never forget either.

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

Andy Mitchell from Glenavon. I think he would really complement what we already have.