Ards on Tour: A Review of the Supporters' Trip To Scotland by Keith Bailie

This was a novel experience for Ards fans to see our wee club play anywhere further away than Omagh. The trip was more about giving the fans a chance to see what sort of stadium we can expect to see in Newtownards next year. The match itself was just one part of the trip.

The bus was filled with 30 of Ards most loyal fans; fans whose dedication has been vital to the club in recent times. And dedication was exactly what was needed to wake up for the 6.30am bus. For one man this proved a bridge to far as sleepy Ards fan Bert preferred his Saturday lie-in to the £70 he had spent on the trip.

Onward, Bert less we went boarding the early morning HSS where some fans indulged in an early morning fry and pint. For those pinters I hope their pint was of a better quality then my fry. My beans-and-egg in one was enough to turn the hardiest of sailor's stomachs. Spirits were high as we took the two-hour boat bus to Livingston. A trip made none the easier for me by the driver's taste in music. Shania Twain electro-country is not something that would sit easily in my CD collection.

The Almondvale Stadium (or the West Lothian Courier Stadium if your that way inclined), the home of Livingston is one of the most impressive set-ups in the country for a club of their stature. It has enough seats to cope with the Old Firm but yet is designed in such a manner that is does not look empty when less than half full. The ground is surrounded with most wonderful facilities including shops, a modern office block and training facilities. If Ards end up with a smaller stadium of similar ilk we will be a very lucky club. Luck is something we thoroughly deserve.

Ards fans had a good look around the ground during a drab 0-0 draw between our host's firsts and Norwich City. After which fans, directors and players meet in a special Ards hospitality area. The hospitality was both friendly and professional which sums up Livingston well.

It has to be said the match itself was not what we had hoped for. Livingston's Under 21s were more like a collection of ball boys and tea ladies. The game was played on a training pitch made from rubber crumb (rich man's astro turf). Very heavy rain (ask Tiger Woods) did not make things easy for the spectator whose only shelter came in the form of some rather fetching free Intelligent Finance umbrellas. On the rubber crumb Ards ran out easy 2-0 winners. New players Young and McCombe were the stars of the show, though special credit has to be given to Shane Reddish on his return from long-term injury who had an excellent game.

After the match it was on to glorious Motherwell. We booked into our hotel before heading the town centre. Town centre? I'm not sure if there was one. Motherwell mainly consists of grey tower blocks (Divis style) and a few drab estates. It barely had any nightlife and only a few restaurants. It is fair to say Motherwell is not Scotland's culture capital.

Having said that we did have a great meal and some late night revellers even found a nightclub for a few drinks (or quite a few drinks). For the rest of us anti-social lot it was back to the hotel for a sleep. Unfortunately the young joyriders of Motherwell were not very considered and choose to crash a BMW right underneath my window at 4am. They even managed to jam the horn on. Thanks lads!

The next day we made for home without much excitement and thankfully without Shania Twain. A top class weekend finished with a social club pint at 7pm on Sunday.

Despite the rain, a poor Livi team, the glory of Motherwell and the joyriders, the trip was a fantastic success from start to finish. Everyone who went had a memorable weekend and would no doubt do it again next season. For me it proved how great the Ards fans are and how committed the board are to bringing success to Newtownards. There is (for the first time in many years) feeling of great spirit and commitment from all involved.

Special thanks goes to bus driver Robin. His excellent driving and sense of humour more than made up for his taste in music. The star of the weekend has to be George Young whose excellent organisation and temperament made the trip run smoother than anyone could have hoped for. Well done George.

Let's hope Frankie brings the same success to the team this season.

first published 27th July 2003