West Stand session ticker holder Marilyn Loughton and son Olly (11) are relatively new to our mighty Reds, having only become CTFC fans over the past 18 months. They first visited the Broadfield last season when QPR came for a pre season friendly. Mariyn explained, “Olly and I attended that match with some QPR supporting friends and stood on the away terrace. We really enjoyed the afternoon and then went to the first home league match and were hooked!”
It’s the atmosphere at the Broadfield that brings her back for more. She said, “I love the banter and songs between the two sets of fans and of course the excitement around the ground when Crawley score!” As with many fans new and experienced her favourite moment so far was the last gasp Sergio winner against Derby County.

This season Marilyn is also venturing away from Crawley and has so far taken in Aldershot, AFC (fire drill) Wimbledon, Oxford and was on the CTSA coach to Bristol last weekend. She explained, “Olly and I had a lovely afternoon at Oxford last week, it was great to be right in the middle of 600 noisy away fans- particularly when Tyrone scored a magnificent equaliser.”

Marilyn was complimentary about the way the club is being run. She stated, “the club is progressing very nicely off the field as well as on it- they have had to adapt quickly to the new league position and everything seems to run well. I particularly like the idea of being able to ring up for tickets, booking by card and then picking them up later.” She added, “the players are very approachable prior to home games which is nice, Olly has got a large collection of autographs.”

As to the managing and playing staff Marilyn said, “Steve Evans seems to get a lot of stick from opposing fans but I think he is going a great job here at CTFC.” She added, “I particularly like Sergio T, he he receives loads of support from the fans but I think that Kyle is the most gifted player in the team and I hope he stays with us!”

After predicting a 3 1 win against Rovers Marilyn was a tad disappointed on the CTSA coach home. She said,”we played much better in the 2nd half but couldn’t find a killer goal. It’s a good point but hopefully we can secure all three at Plymouth next week!”

Words and pictures by Colin Bowman, CTSA Press Officer