[Official Site] Samrah Remembers Fans United

Paul Samrah played a huge role in the club's fight for survival


PUBLISHED
16:31 6th February 2014
by Luke Nicoli
This Saturday, February 8, marks the 17th anniversary of Fans United and Paul Samrah, a driving force throughout the club’s struggles, looks back at the day and the impact it had on bringing Albion’s plight to a wider audience.“We were in a desperate situation – all the doors in the corridors of power were firmly shut in our faces, yet the football fraternity (by that I mean the rank and file football supporter) were right behind us,” he told seagulls.co.uk. “We had to channel the fervour and passion in some way that generated positive publicity.”
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Albion fans protest against Bill Archer in 1997
Fans United was, in fact, the idea of Plymouth fan Richard Vaughan and so the wheels were in motion for fans far and wide to descend on the Goldstone Ground, for the vital, basement division game against Hartlepool United.
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“It was a very, very emotional day,” Paul added. “I was stunned at how many supporters had come from all over the country and from mainland Europe too: France, Germany, Italy.
“It gave Albion supporters belief and hope – both of which had waned over the battle weary months and years.”
To read more on Fans United, and Attila the Stockbroker’s memories of Fans United 2 ‘The Heart of Football’, against Doncaster Rovers, read Saturday’s award-winning copy of Seagull, priced £3.50.
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We also look back at the final game at the Goldstone, against Rovers, and the opening league game at the Amex, also against the South Yorkshire clud.





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