Collin the shots

Cliftonville Football Club places on record our thanks to everyone who contributed to yesterday’s Matchday Lunch being such a success.

Staged at Cliftonville Bowling Club prior to the Reds’ Danske Bank Premiership victory over Glentoran, the occasion saw supporters count down to kick-off with a two-course meal alongside Reds players from past and present as well as our special guest, Roddy Collins.

After engaging ticket holders at the sold-out gathering to an X-rated introductory singsong, the former Cliftonville striker spoke of how matches at Solitude had bookended his long and winding player career, as well as revealing how his seven-game stint with the Reds in the mid-90s would later spare him from being hunted out of a managerial role in Malta – one of the many mesmerising tales recounted in his hugely popular autobiography, The Rodfather.

Our congratulations, meanwhile, go to Michael Hegney for his typically rigorous organisation and stewardship of the event, with our appreciation likewise extended to staff at the Bowling Club for their professional assistance throughout and, indeed, West Gourmet for their provision of meals that were highly commended by all in attendance.