Fan praise as Glentoran hit the phones in show of support

Steps by Glentoran to offer extra support during the Coronavirus crisis have left the fanbase “overwhelmed” following personal phone calls by club chairman Stephen Henderson.
By Patrick Van Dort
Published 3rd Apr 2020, 06:00 BST
Glentoran chairman Stephen Henderson. Pic by Glentoran FC.Glentoran chairman Stephen Henderson. Pic by Glentoran FC.
Glentoran chairman Stephen Henderson. Pic by Glentoran FC.

Around 100 supporters identified from the Oval outfit’s season ticket database this week received a call from Henderson in the first step of an ongoing initiative to reach out and ensure fans can still feel a connection to the club despite the absence of any football.

The Glens have also responded to an appeal from NI Scrubs by donating 180 drawstring bags from the Superstore for frontline NHS workers to carry home uniforms at the end of each shift.

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“It was a very kind gesture and I was overwhelmed to be honest,” said Glens fan Ron Crawford. “I had a conversation with the chairman, who explained the club just wanted to check in on the more mature members of the fanbase and we had a nice chat as well about Glentoran overall.

“I told him he was about 50 years too late if he wanted me to play!

“Glentoran have held collections in the past to help food banks and acts of kindness like this just show me it is more than a football club, it is a family.”

Glens chairman Henderson confirmed plans to extend the support service as long as is required under the current lockdown conditions.

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“We have a list of around 100 of our more experienced supporters and it is just a way of getting in touch to see if everyone is okay and if we can help in any way,” said Henderson. “We have a number of people around the club aiming to check in every few weeks or so with everyone and, to be honest, it is a small way in which we can repay our fans for such loyal support over so many years.

“These are difficult times for everyone and it is just about showing we can be there if needed.

“Sometimes it only takes a simple chat on the phone about football to help.

“It is a tiny way we can reach out as a club and offer our help to anyone who needs it.”

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Related topics:GlentoranNHS