From the talking Steward at the back of the Chequers end.
My name is Steve from Sale, those of you who know me I have been an ardent Alty Fan now for the last 34 years. Despite the slightly more concilitary nature of CB's last posting, I still take offence to his original posting and his severe criticism of me in particular, and also my colleagues. I was the steward at the back of the Chequers End, who at the time was talking to my son when the problems started. I radioed the head steward immediately I saw the 1st youth climb the fence, There was no way I could have got to the area quickly enough to stop the invasion. Sorry but as a steward I am entitled to talk to away fans and also our home supporters should the need arise, and certainly members of my own family. That is also part of my job as steward, partly peacekeeping and partly to engage the trust of away fans.
The bad behavoiur was down to the fans themselves, the Alty fans played no part in this whatsover. The correct way to deal with this was carried out by the club but they did not get the back up they needed from outside, despite several requests.
Please remember we are all volunteers, Mark Ecky was exactly right in his reply, which smacks of common sense. I love my family very much and wish to be there for them, and my club also, and will not endanger myself or others by putting our life's at risk. Anybody with an ounce of common sense should see that without putting stupid derogatory comments about us.
Fair play, things went wrong today but we are stewards who are responsible for our own safety and our fans and everybody in the ground. The last thing we need when we try and do our best to do our job is criticism when we have not put our lives on the line. We are trained stewards qualified to NVQ standards, but we are not the police. Any head-on confrontation would have made matters worse for everybody. Who would tell my wife I had been attacked and seriously injured, and may not live through it, you CB?!!!
Everybody knows who I am, I have started stewarding as a volounteer once again this season, but will walk away from both this and the club if we get unjust criticism.
Once again, my name is Steve from Sale and a bloody angry one at that, and I certainly do not hide myself with initials.
Steve From Sale