Spotlight on our supporters programme article - Ivan Ogborn

Posted : 29th March 2014 at 16:04:19

Name:​​ ​​Ivan Ogborn

Hometown:​​​Dundonald

Date of Birth:​​​29/07/1961

Supporters Club:​​None

Where do you sit in Windsor Park?​ Section D in the South Stand. It will be a sad day when the South Stand is bulldozed later this year.

Can you recall your first match? The Cup Winners Cup Match against Man City in 1970 was probably one of the first matches I attended.

How long have you supported the Blues? Over 40 years.

Who influenced you most? Both my mum and dad lived in the Village area so I guess it was inevitable I would grow up as a Linfield fan – thankfully.

Did you idolise any player? It has to be Peter Rafferty – a real character.

Who will ever forget the reception he received when he came on as a second half sub against England in 1979 or when being carried off injured he jumped from the stretcher to gesture to the Glentoran fans.

Who is your favourite current player and why? Michael Gault – I have to say that as I was a member of his recent testimonial committee.

Who is your all time great? Very difficult to single out one player as each era has its greats but in recent years it has to be Glenn ‘Spike’ Ferguson.

What other Irish League player from the past do you admire? Jim Cleary – such a talented midfielder and genuine sportsman who deserved his call up to the NI World Cup squad of Spain 1982. I also recall that Linfield had 2 players in that squad.

And the present? Unfortunately there are very few characters currently in the Irish League. From a footballing perspective, on his day there are not many better than Colin Coates.

What is your favourite away ground? Seaview – until they stopped away fans sitting in the main stand.

Most memorable occasion supporting Linfield? It has to be an away European trip, probably European cup versus Panathaikos in Athens in 1984, having gone through against Shamrock Rovers in the previous round thanks to an away goal from David Jeffrey’s mop of blond curls.

If you had unlimited funds who would you buy? A young, fit and healthy Gazza!

Do you support any other team? Glasgow Rangers and Leeds United. What was the best Linfield goal you ever saw? Season 1977-1978 against Glenavon – Billy Hamilton’s overhead kick from 18 yards or Roy Walsh’s diving header against Benefica in 1983.

What appeals to you most about Linfield? ‘The Linfield Family’, our hunger for success and our 128 year old tradition.

What appeals to you most about the Irish League? Difficult question to answer as I fear long-term for its future....I guess I go week in, week out because I always have.

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