Season Preview 2008: Longford Town
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Every supporter has a different level of optimism and expectation for his/her club. Some are unwisely certain that they will win every game, others too scared to think of anything other than a defeat. Us Longford Town supporters are no different. We enjoy the game of football. We are no less passionate than any other football supporter.
Following the fortunes of Longford Town over the past few years has been a truly brilliant experience. October 2003 will live long in the memory of every Town fan, when we won our first piece of silverware, the FAI Cup. The following season we went one better and did the domestic cup double. We won our very first League Cup title and retained the FAI Cup. The good days were here to stay or so it seemed.
Players who won those cups were in demand and squads changed. Off the field the club were also experiencing difficulties. Last season we knew it was going to be tough but we didn't envisage what would happen.
A 6 points deduction which ultimately led to our relegation to the First Division. We also lost to Cork City in the cup final. Sad end to a sad season for Longford Town.
This season we are in the First Division back travelling to Dublin, Waterford, Limerick and Dundalk, to follow the team. But I'm realistic about our chances. We have a good management team of Aaron Callaghan and Vinny Perth but I feel the squad just haven't got the experience to lead a sustainable challenge for promotion back to the Premier Division. Aaron has a vision to restructure the climb and rebuild it but it won't happen overnight, these things take time.
No doubt crowds will dwindle but the genuine Longford Town fans will still support the boys in red and black. Football for us is about fun, excitement, passion, pride and shared enjoyment. It_s not something you acquire, it_s something you are born into.
Over the years we believed that things could change for the club and our faith in the team was rewarded. There_s no doubt that de Town can one day reach the higher peaks again. That's the resolute spirit in us as supporters.
Football is about the lasting belief that somewhere down the line glory awaits. Sometimes the outsider wins and the underdog refuses to lie down. It has happened before for Longford Town who's to say it can't happen again.
