Events
Shrewsbury Town: Fan prize is icing on the cake for Rosemarie
TO BE named fan of the season is the icing on the cake for Rosemarie Cliffe, who claims Shrewsbury Town are the love of her life.
The 80-year-old Town superfan travels home and away to every game with grandson Fraser Reading – and first starting watching her hometown club in 1953.
Fraser nominated Rosemarie for the Shropshire Star fan of the season and she claimed her award – alongside the biggest cheer of the evening at a packed Sovereign Suite at Montgomery Waters Meadow – at Sunday’s evening’s end-of-season awards.
“I feel very honoured,” said Rosemarie, who is looking forward to travelling to Charlton on Thursday evening to cheer her team on in the League One play-offs.
“It’s a wonderful thing to have, the icing on the cake for me at my age after going for so long. I want to thank the team and the manager for this year.
“It’s been fantastic. We’ve been to some places and had some wonderful results away from home. I’m really, really proud to be a supporter at this moment in time.”
Rosemarie quipped that she believes it is impossible for Shrewsbury Town to kick-off unless she is there at the stadium.
“We’ll be there – good or bad,” she added. “Going away and coming home late. I’ve got it in my head they can’t kick-off unless I’m there. A stupid thing I know, but I’ve got to be there!”
She said her favourite all-time Town player was former striker Alf Wood, who played between 1966 and 1972. Her favourite of the current bunch is Lenell John-Lewis. Both goalkeeper Dean Henderson and manager Paul Hurst referenced Rosemarie’s unwavering support during the evening. On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Henderson added that her support and story gave him goosebumps.
“I started going with my mother in the 1950s and I was a teenager then. We’d go home and away and the club’s the love of my life,” added the proud grandmother.
“Three generations have gone through, my children went and now my grandsons are coming with me. It’s part of my life.
“I hate summer with no football – it’s dreadful. Going away on the winter nights and getting back at 3am in the morning, absolutely great – especially if you’ve won. If you’ve lost it’s a long journey!
“If we lost then I’m absolutely down until the next match.”
