[The Red Darreners]

As a fan who rarely posts these days I would like to say a couple of things:

(a) I hope we let Billy see a Birthday Party on Saturday, rather than a Wake. If retirement is the lever that restores a sense of 'normality' or 'freedom' for this fine young man (and his family) then we should celebrate, not mourn.Ali and I first started coming to The Crown (or Wham) in 2009.(I happily accept that we were bandwagon jumpers - we sought a haven of community football rather than win-at-all-costs moneyed nonsense - HOW we found it!!)
This decision turned my wife onto fitba. It was life-changing. We have rearely missed a home game since. The players did a lap of honour at the end of that season (when Billy was on loan). He was a kid then - I will never forget he sported a black eye. Little did I realise then just how much that duelling scar would sum up his attitude, bravery and resilience.
He did the rounds thereafter, and seems to have been loved wherever he went - I was especially thrilled to see him on Saturday at Burton where he scored for fun at one point.

If the Luton goal was the high-point on the pitch for most of us, for me the main mark Billy has made was the interview he gave on the BBC about his depression. Having spent most of the last 20 odd years teaching Psychology I have used it often as a resource, and I know from students' comments just what an impact it had. His struggle with Bulimia Nervosa must be a nightmare - talking about that though,in the context of professional sport is even more inspirational and reassuring, especially among young men, than he will ever know.
I have spent countless hours watching Billy on the pitch, getting battered, getting so little help from officials devoid of insight into the rigours of professional football, let alone its rules (and that's NOT the effect of my rose-coloured specs - the tint wore off those aeons ago). The fact is, as one who has watched, admired and studied the game over five decades (Southampton, Stockport and Oldham (the good Oldham, under Joe Royle) were my previous teams)week after week after week Billy was without question the finest, and bravest, hold-up merchant I have ever seen.
So applaud him, shed a tear even, but don't be sad, feel blessed and lucky that he chose our little place, and found the right folk (in John, Jimmy, John, Andy and others) who 'got' him and trusted him. And wish him and his kin well. And give him the love, the respect, cement the bond, and ensure he doesn't become a stranger.
(b) And on a related note, I'm well aware of our league position, and the injury misfortunes over the last few weeks, but I feel sure we WILL survive in this league, and I just wanted to say this. The Emeritus Professor has unearthed two more diamonds this season. People whinge about Colby Bishop's missed chances, but for me his hold-up play has been exceptional for someone leaping up three divisions. These things take time. Back him. I think he has a fantastic attitude - he certainly doesn't hide away.
And as for young Dion Charles - win or lose, he blows me away game after game after game,hungry, brave, creative. What will he be like next year? He'll blossom.
Both these lads also seem to be exceptional human beings - both have humility, perspective and confidence. Both were playing in National League North last season. We would all do well to remember that from time to time.

These are still good times to be supporters of our fantastic club. So make Saturday a HAPPY day, regardless of the result. Billy and his kin deserve NOTHING less.