I remember very clearly May 26th 2002. My young son Ryan's fourth birthday. He was excited and full of beans about visiting our local rivals at the then jungle, his Dad not so confident but crossing everything i could as usual supporting Wakey. Brilliant game in which we ended up winning 30 - 18. At the end as the players came to the fans I held him up high on my shoulders and he kept saying "they did it for me Dad, they won it for my birthday" Which of course fill me up every so slightly.
Now here we are ten years on, Another birthday looming and another derby against our nearest and dearest from down the road. Our Ryans a lot older and a lot wiser (hes a teenager!!!) and knows Wakey don't do wins on demand. But we'll be there Mum, Dad and Ryan and as usual i'll have everything crossed for an extra birthday present for him.

Happy birthday Ryan, hope they make it another birthday to remember.

Doesn't Robbie Hunter-Paul at Shudds collect messages like this to pin on the dressing room wall prior to their games?

Seems fairly small beer, but I get it - a way of connecting what the players do on the pitch with what the fans hopes and expectations are; particularly helpful I would have thought for a team that doesn't have a lot of local lads who already know what the team means to the average joe on the terraces.

Anyhow, I digress - nice story; here's hoping that Ryan is a talisman!

if you tweet me mate ill retweet for you if have time

Well mines crossed to cant we get him to do the half time team talk and instill some pride and passion into the side mucker.
Happy Birthday Ryan

Can't be a Ethiad, lads playing at BV in morning cheer them on Ryan for me hope you have a extra birthday present with a Wakey win.

Hope you all have a good day, Ryan especially and we all get the result we are desperate for!!

Was that the game Kriss Tassell scored a hat trick? I think that was my first time of seeing Wakey beat Cas as I recall.

Think that was the one, was trying to work out who coach was, I'm thinking Peter Roe.

Never mind getting on the net after work you should be tucked up in bed dont want you late setting off get the young talisman there early make sure of the win.

just nipped on for a quick peek from my phone pal. Now can't sleep. Must be too excited. Mind you i always get a little restless when we play the ginners!

Well we did it. One happy family having a great day out in the sun. Thank you all for your kind whishes and thanks to Wakey for patting me through all the emotions as usual.

Happy Birthday Ryan, one to remember!!!

Wish you had a birthday every weekend, Ryan. We'll put this one down to you.

Happy birthday - hope you had a blast!

Cheers Ryan Hope you had a great day!!