Welcome to the Abbey
Steve Greenall - Exeter City, Saturday 26th September 1998
As Derek and Clive said in the 1970's, "What's the worst job you ever had?" Mine is writing these notes, with thoughts that next week there will be no "Welcome" from me "To The Abbey" After 8 years, it's nearly time to leave the world's most permanent temporary buildings, and head on off up the A11 to pastures new at Carrow Road. They say when you leave a job, leave on a high. You don't get much higher that having thousands of people singing your name. I know some of you - many better than others, many, many more just faces you recognise. But I always felt as though you knew me, either by reading programme notes, ringing ClubCall, listening to Radio Cambridgeshire or just stopping for a chat at the ground.
To be appreciated for what you do in your professional life is something most people only experience when the foreman gives you a slap on the back, or your office manager buys you a beer for a job well done. As a footballer, when you do a good job, you deserve, and some would say, expect the roar of a crowd. What started for me as a chance to wave to those I have worked for - the fans - last Tuesday, is something I will never forget. Early in my career at this Club, we played Southend United in a crunch match - indeed an eventual title-decider. We hadn't near enough tickets to go around, but having put them on sale, and watched them selling like hot cakes, I pulled fifty out of the bundle, knowing that fans from out of town would struggle. When those who WERE unable to buy rang in, some to complain, I provided a first glimpse of how I felt that job should be done - the "unlucky" ones got "lucky". I even took a bundle to Wigan Latics and sold them on the terraces. One lucky recipient, Shubs Hore, wrote to me in the June following…out of the blue. With belated thanks, he ended his letter, "along Tottenham High Road, there was even the odd chant of "There's Only One Stevie Greenall". Last Tuesday, Thousands of you sang it. Why? I'm just a straightforward bloke from St Helens, who, thanks to Reg Smart, got to do what he enjoys most - work with people.
I'd like to put a few things straight: - I WILL BE BACK FROM TIME TO TIME…(and if Camelot ever obliges…) I'm quite an emotional bloke, really, you know. I'm fighting back tears writing this - so God help me on Saturday. Thanks for 8 great years. THE ONE AND ONLY STEVIE GREENALL |