Charlie Christie – Pride in my son and in my club all in one day
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Tuesday, May 3 was certainly not a good one for my blood pressure as son Ryan’s Bournemouth side faced up to high flying Nottingham Forest in a huge match in the English Championship whilst Caley Thistle travelled to Firhill with the aim of keeping their promotion hopes alive.
Thankfully, by 9pm all my fears were allayed, and I could sit down and enjoy a glass of bubbly knowing that both results had turned out just fine.
Bournemouth’s achievement was a massive one given the incredible competitiveness of the English Championship where every side poses a different challenge and, along with the financial benefits to those lucky enough to join the Premier League elite, it makes promotion so important to those clubs with real ambition.
Bournemouth’s opponents Nottingham Forest are a good example of the difficulties big clubs down south can face when they fall out of the top division as it has been 23 years since they have played Premiership football. Quite incredible for a club who, under Brian Clough, were winning numerous European Cups and league titles when I first began watching English football on television.
I was especially pleased for Ryan and immensely proud after that Bournemouth win which confirmed their promotion.
He has thrived in the environment down south both on and off the pitch and it’s another huge achievement in his career so far. One of the main reasons for joining the club was manager Scot Parker and the way he wanted his side to play, and Ryan has been fully vindicated in his brave decision. Bournemouth have played some superb football throughout the season passing through the lines and refusing to change their possession-based game at any time.
Ryan can now look forward to lining up at The Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford and The Emirates along with many other stunning venues whilst challenging himself against the very best players on the planet – if history is anything to go by, he will relish the challenge and take his game to yet another level!
Meanwhile, after completing the job against Partick Thistle, Caley Thistle’s promotion hopes are very much in the balance as we head to Arbroath tonight. The two-legged play-off tie could not be tighter after our goalless draw on Tuesday although the balance has perhaps tipped slightly in Dick Campbell side’s favour.
I’m hoping the Gayfield pitch will be in decent condition given the break since the regular season end and this should hopefully allow us to have the confidence to play to our strengths and not resort going too direct.
