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Jamie Brannon catches up with 'Ultra' Alex Moloney
SCT FC3 Mar 2017 - 21:39
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In the first of a series of interviews with different people associated with the Royals, Jamie Brannon has spoken with Alex this week.......
The matchday experience at Coles Lane has been enhanced in recent years by the arrival of the Sutton Coldfield Town Ultras, bringing their jollity, passion, commitment and imagination to provide us with more credibility as a club. I’ve spoken to one of their posse, Alexander Moloney about all things Sutton.
When did the concept of the Ultras begin?
Alex: I think it was the start of the 2011/12 season three or so groups of fans that had been turning up for varying lengths of time started to get friendly and group together. The creation of a Twitter account and bringing the trumpet and drums gave us something to rally around – and the real key was it went down a treat with home and away fans alike.
When did you get involved and why?
Alex: I got involved in the 2011 season on the back of my manager at the time being on the committee for Shepshed Dynamo. After talking me into coming to that away game at Sutton in Division One South, we beat Shepshed 4-1 and I never looked back! Soon after that the Ultras started, making the experience all more enjoyable.
What have been your highs and lows?
Alex: High points have to be promotion and the Birmingham Senior Cup final in 2013. Though we lost (4-1 to Hednesford), at the time it was my biggest game. Lows are probably some individual losses – 6-1 to Leek and 5-0 to Blyth stick out in the last three years. Also the poor FA Cup form has haunted us in the last five years.
Which players have you warmed to over the years?
Alex: I always enjoy watching Lee Evans, Matt Dodds, Danny O’Callaghan, Mark Danks, Justin Richards, Joel Kettle, James Wren and Scott Lycett. Some lesser known players I enjoyed were Tunnicliff and Parsons who were silent heroes for me. Also many of their names make a good song which always helps build a relationship with the players!
How did you feel about Tooth’s departure?
Alex: Tough one this. I personally got on very well with Toothy and he had been involved in the club since I started watching. A great manager and motivator but from what I could see, and let’s be honest he took the team to the next level in the form of promotion. The departure was on the back of seeing some poor runs of defeats, of which some were very heavy – as we all know this is a results game and that’s what managers are judged on by these days. I was sorry to see him go but the board took a decision that wouldn’t have been taken lightly and I respect and support why this decision was taken. I believe Toothy will always be welcomed and there won’t be a shortage of handshakes at the club.
Are you still confident we can stay up?
Alex: Again, a tough one, but an exciting prospect at the same time. Things have settled a bit since Toothy’s departure with new faces coming into the club. There is a big gap of six points, but 11 games left. As long as there are more points available than gap we have to keep going. Home games are the key, though just one or two wins away could really help. Sneekes and Steve Hinks are doing a great job.
When did the concept of the Ultras begin?
Alex: I think it was the start of the 2011/12 season three or so groups of fans that had been turning up for varying lengths of time started to get friendly and group together. The creation of a Twitter account and bringing the trumpet and drums gave us something to rally around – and the real key was it went down a treat with home and away fans alike.
When did you get involved and why?
Alex: I got involved in the 2011 season on the back of my manager at the time being on the committee for Shepshed Dynamo. After talking me into coming to that away game at Sutton in Division One South, we beat Shepshed 4-1 and I never looked back! Soon after that the Ultras started, making the experience all more enjoyable.
What have been your highs and lows?
Alex: High points have to be promotion and the Birmingham Senior Cup final in 2013. Though we lost (4-1 to Hednesford), at the time it was my biggest game. Lows are probably some individual losses – 6-1 to Leek and 5-0 to Blyth stick out in the last three years. Also the poor FA Cup form has haunted us in the last five years.
Which players have you warmed to over the years?
Alex: I always enjoy watching Lee Evans, Matt Dodds, Danny O’Callaghan, Mark Danks, Justin Richards, Joel Kettle, James Wren and Scott Lycett. Some lesser known players I enjoyed were Tunnicliff and Parsons who were silent heroes for me. Also many of their names make a good song which always helps build a relationship with the players!
How did you feel about Tooth’s departure?
Alex: Tough one this. I personally got on very well with Toothy and he had been involved in the club since I started watching. A great manager and motivator but from what I could see, and let’s be honest he took the team to the next level in the form of promotion. The departure was on the back of seeing some poor runs of defeats, of which some were very heavy – as we all know this is a results game and that’s what managers are judged on by these days. I was sorry to see him go but the board took a decision that wouldn’t have been taken lightly and I respect and support why this decision was taken. I believe Toothy will always be welcomed and there won’t be a shortage of handshakes at the club.
Are you still confident we can stay up?
Alex: Again, a tough one, but an exciting prospect at the same time. Things have settled a bit since Toothy’s departure with new faces coming into the club. There is a big gap of six points, but 11 games left. As long as there are more points available than gap we have to keep going. Home games are the key, though just one or two wins away could really help. Sneekes and Steve Hinks are doing a great job.
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