Julia Urwin FAN PROFILE

FIRST HOME GAME EVER SEEN-Friday night match v Barrow 10 October 1966 and we won 4-1. My dad took me and we stood in front of the old wooden stand to watch the match. The stand of course burnt down later that year and I remember being really upset by it - at the age of 11 Southport FC was in my blood! 

FIRST AWAY GAME EVER SEEN-Didn’t have the opportunity to go to any away matches when I was younger. I do remember going to a friendly at Burscough in the late 70’s and I wore Cliff Woof’s shirt which had been given to me by Charlie Powell because it had got torn during a match. I carefully embroidered a stag (the symbol of the makers) over the tear and probably wore the first ever Southport replica shirt! 

BEST GAME EVER SEEN-The mixed emotions of the 2^nd leg of the FA Trophy semi-final against Slough must come out on top. The excitement of the match, the sheer elation of going to Wembley as a result and the fear of having to drive to London (Rob not driving meant it was up to me!) 

WORST GAME EVER SEEN-Northwich away last season. The lack of passion, effort and commitment was evident from kick off and coming away from the game I just knew we would be relegated come the end of the season.    

BEST OCCASION(S)-Has to be Sunday 18^th May 1998! Wembley! Like “hubby” I never ever thought I would see a Southport team walk onto that hallowed turf. Arriving at 9.55am, Rob having his photo taken holding a Southport flag by our dressing room door, waving every Southport supporters coach into the car park, only the result went the wrong way but what a great day! 

WORST OCCASION(S)-Nothing can compare with going out of the League on 2^nd June 1978. I remember waiting at home for the phone call from Rob and Richard (Griffiths) who had gone down to London for the meeting. 

FAVOURITE EVER PLAYER-Bob Sibbald. A player who as it says in “The Book” never gave less than 100%. Not much more I can say, only that I am probably a little biased as I used to baby-sit for his children and became a family friend. 

FUNNIEST MOMENT WATCHING SFC- Bobby Noble managing to snap his “love beads” in the penalty area at the Blowick end during a match. 

BEST GOAL SEEN SCORED BY SOUTHPORT PLAYER-Football wise it probably isn’t the best but for any fan of the time Alex Russell’s free kick to clinch the 4^th Division title must be one of the greatest. 

BEST GROUND VISITED WATCHING SFC- Wembley for the sheer “magic” of the place. I am going to cheat a bit here-the best ground visited to watch a SFC player play must be the Coliseum in Los Angeles where Bob Sibbald played for the Los Angeles Aztecs alongside the great George Best. 

ANY ANECDOTES-Whilst in LA staying with the Sibbald family, I was lucky enough to watch the last ever game that Pele played on the West Coast of America. He played for New York Cosmos (versus the Aztecs) alongside Franz Beckenbauer and ex SFC player, Tony Field. Certainly a game to remember and all thanks to supporting Southport FC!!