Moderator
Changing jobs while also in the midst of a home renovation has seriously cut into my time online both here and on other soccer sites, but I'd like to share my thoughts on the last ten years and I don't think there could be a more appropriate thread than this.
I remember the weeks and months prior to the official announcement by MLSE that Toronto would be bidding for an MLS expansion club and back then speculation was rampant about the details. We had no stadium. We had no coaches or players. We didn't even have a name. But I think most of us just had this feeling that MLS in Toronto had the potential to be something BIG. Though funnily enough, when this group had our first ever meeting at the Overdraught on Front Street and were talking with some of the TFC sales reps, we were offered first pick at 50 seats in the Supporters Section - and myself and many of us were really worried that we wouldn't come close to getting that many RPB members signed up before the first match. Hindsight is 20/20, right?
Anyway, the years that followed are probably known by most. We had a lot of ups and downs both our supporters group and the club. I don't think many would deny that were quite a few times when TFC was just downright awful. Coaches and players came and left - with a few very vocally highlighting their discontent toward the club. But changes were eventually made and I think most were for the best. I think the management staff we have now is one of the best in the league. Tim Bezbatchenko is a man who deserves of lot of credit for how this club has been reshaped in the last few seasons and I truly hopes he will continue his role with TFC for many more years to come.
It's been a long ten years as a supporter. I've met a lot of friends over that time and was lucky enough to make quite a few road trips with them. Kansas City immediately comes to mind as just a great experience for me, but I was in Montreal for the Miracle as well, and made the trip to Columbus twice amongst others. So many memories. Like picking up a ball in Kingston and bringing it to Joe's for an impromptu kickabout at 11pm at Lamport. You know, I think I must have broken into BMO Field at least three times during it's construction just to get a look at the place from the inside. A few others I know did as well. I remember taking a banner from the first away match viewing at the Elephant and Castle and bringing it to the stadium just so I can return it and see the inside of the TFC offices and locker rooms by the staff.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. I can't speak for anyone else, but in many ways, TFC has been the one constant in my life over the past decade. Relationships have come and gone (just like Head Coaches!), there have been times of illness in my family, a few deaths, but also the birth of my daughter in our second year. True story - I wore my jersey in the delivery room and was able to make the game the day after she was born.
All I can say is that, honestly, the result of Saturday's game probably won't mean nearly as much to me as it probably will for others. I mean, obviously I'd love to see another high-scoring win and have the boys hold up that cup on our home pitch, but just being there will be the ultimate experience as a supporter and I am completely pumped for the match.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by molenshtain
Great love does not exist without joy and without great suffering ,that's why One club is worth only as much as its fans !
