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Home , Alex Ferguson, Barney Storey, Dave Sexton, David May (footballer), Lou Macari, Martin Buchan

DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

The official MUDSA magazine Volume 16, Issue 2, Christmas 2012 Sir + Paralympic interview special + Rafael da Silva Phil Downs, MBE Secretary/DLO MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation, Sir Way, Old , , M16 0RA T: 0845 230 1989 E: [email protected] Des Turner Editor/CHAIR 2, Cae Bryn, Garth, Llangollen, LL20 7DQ T: 01978 810528 E: [email protected] Chas Banks Social MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation, The official MUDSA magazine Sir Matt Busby Way, , Manchester, M16 0RA Volume16, Issue 2, Christmas 2012 T: 0161 610 8200 This magazine is issued free to MUDSA members. E: [email protected] You can also view Rollin’ Reds and download it in Cara Salt PDF format from our websiteJohn atand www.mudsa.org Matthew Peters Customer relations executive Photography: leemingdesign.co.uk MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation, Production: Richard Trenchard Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Katherine Allin Manchester, M16 0RA Thanks this issue: Paralympics GB T: 0845 230 1989 E: [email protected] Sue Rocca MUTV Treasurer 113 Darley Avenue, Manchester, M21 7QR T: 0161 861 9454 E: [email protected] Ann-Marie Lewis FAMILY EVENTS 17 Bala Avenue, Holywell, CH8 7HD T: 01352 715794 E: [email protected] Andy Wild ADMIN & MERCHANDISE Apt 2, 1 Maple Road West, Manchester, M23 9QU T: 0161 972 0565 E: [email protected] Jamie Leeming Media Assistant Comeback kings... 1 Althorpe Drive, Southport, PR8 6HS Chicharito heads home the winner at Villa T: 07590 406669 Park in a 3-2 victory after United had gone Inside this edition… 19 Team Talk with Jamie E: [email protected] 2-0 down. The Mexican claimed a hat-trick, although, action replays showed a Villa 4 The Platform with Des 20 Exclusive RR Interview Rafael da Silva Liz Edwards deflection making the second an own goal. 5 A Tribute To Steve Crompton 24 Have Your Say Your Letters QUadrant Rep/MERCHANDISE 6 News Sir Alex Ferguson statue 25 Future Shirt Kenji Gorre 37 Ashburn Way, Mill Gardens, Wrexham, LL13 0YY 8 Ups ‘n’ Downs with Phil 26 For The Shirt T: 01978 264822 10 Feature Paralympic interviews 28 Between The Headphones with Nigel E: [email protected] 16 MUDSA Annual Dinner 30 MUDSA official merchandise Nigel Taylor 18 Advertorial My Dad is Different 31 My MUFC John Cullum VI Representative MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Follow MUDSA Keep yourself up to date Manchester, M16 0RA T: 07429 405520 on Facebook: with the latest news by E: [email protected] www.facebook.com/MUDSA.official visiting www.mudsa.org 4 THE PLATFORM with Des A TRIBUTE with Phil 5 Steve Crompton 1950 — 2012

ll of us are influenced by people Adrifting into our lives and sometimes we find ourselves close to people that we wouldn’t have met if life had been different. Suddenly finding yourself in a wheelchair tends to do that and I’m proud to say that Steve was one of the people that made a real difference to my life and my MUDSA colleagues who also knew him well would echo the same sentiment. Steve Crompton was an avid United fan from the cradle like most of us. He started coming to games Top of the tree! in a wheelchair when MS finally knocked him off his Surprise’. By comparison, it wasn’t a lot better feet but he wasn’t the kind of person to let that get than a First World War bi-plane but we all climbed very warm welcome to the in recent years, he was uncomplaining and always in his way. aboard, including Steve who was an anxious flier AChristmas edition of Rollin’ Reds, it ready to do his bit no matter what. Steve was one of He loved computers as much as he loved football and started to get out of breath, but little did we seems that no sooner are we kicking off life’s genuinely good guys and will be sorely missed. and he helped me out of many a fix… needless know he was in the early stages of having the new season in short-sleeved shirts Our thoughts are with Margaret and all his family. to say he was an obvious choice to enlist a heart attack! He insisted he was OK and glorious sunshine than the festive MUDSA was represented by Chas and Phil at Steve’s onto the MUDSA committee many and we took to the air but concern season is once more upon us, with its funeral and Phil pays tribute on page 5. years ago when we needed those grew, ending in a steep dive attendant sleet and freezing rain. November also saw the sad death of former talents on board. Steve was the down to land to get Steve into As 2013 beckons, the Reds are sitting pretty at the Manchester United manager . Dave person that should be marked the nearest ambulance and top of the league. Quite how we’ve achieved this was our manager from 1977 to 1981 and took the down in history as the off to Stanstead hospital. is slightly puzzling considering how easily we have club to a dramatic FA Cup final in 1979 which we writer of the first disabled Needless to say Steve conceded at times but the table doesn’t lie and as lost 3–2 to Arsenal. United also finished as league supporters association’s didn’t make it to Barcelona I write, we lead our nearest rivals by three points. runners-up in 1979–80 under his stewardship. He website and at moments but he was alive. Among the articles we have for you in this issue passed away aged 82 and we offer our condolences like this I wish I’d kept the I suppose, on reflection, is an exclusive interview with our outstanding to his family. home page archived — this was the start of Steve Brazilian defender, Rafael. Thanks to John Allen and Speaking of United managers, you will probably you’d be surprised at how beginning to suffer more Karen Shotbolt at Carrington, Jamie and I were able be aware that in November a magnificent bronze good it was, even by today’s with his MS but I mention it to put some questions to the young Mr da Silva statue was unveiled outside the newly-named standards! because it never once phased about life in the UK and, among other things, how Sir Alex Ferguson stand, in honour of the Boss’s In ‘Ups ‘n Downs’ I refer to a him and he was back up and he’s coping with life at Old Trafford without his twin incredible 26 trophy-laden years at the club. We story about Steve and it relates to raring to go as soon as he was brother, Fabio. have pictures and a report on pages 6 and 7. our trip to Barcelona in ’99. It’s difficult able. He went through an ordeal On pages 10-15, Jamie has produced a very Finally it just remains for me to thank all our to verify but I would bet that MUDSA was that none of us would want to witness insightful look at three United-supporting regular contributors to this magazine from within the first disabled supporters’ organisation to charter and would never wish to see the likes of again, Paralympians, Charlotte Henshaw and Sarah and MUDSA and to everyone at Manchester United its own aircraft to take disabled fans abroad as we but he never complained once. Barney Storey — all of whom achieved great things FC for their continued support. Thanks to Jamie did to Barcelona. We all gathered at Manchester In this way Steve embodied the MUDSA motto in London this summer. Leeming for all his hard work and to you our readers Airport, went down one of the old piers passing one ‘Spirit, Strength, Courage’. It is with great sadness that we have to announce for your kind words of encouragement. large aircraft after another and then there appeared On behalf of the committee and all MUDSA the passing of one of MUDSA’s great stalwarts. We’ll be back in February, so in the meantime to be a gap. We eventually reached the gap which members, I’d like to express my sincere condolences Along with Chas, Phil and I, Steve Crompton had have a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New wasn’t a gap at all… in between two giant aircraft to Steve’s wife, Margaret, sons Philip and Richard, been one of the original members of the committee Year. was sitting our little propellered plane which one his family, friends and support team. A true gent since its inception in 1997. Although in poor health Des Turner - Editor person referred to as ‘something out of a Kinder has been lost but will never be forgotten. 6 NEWS Sir Alex Ferguson Statue 7

Lady Cathy unveils Monumental! Sir Alex’s statue Former players, celebrities and even politicians pay tribute at the unveiling of Sir Alex’s statue

ir Alex Ferguson spoke of his pride as a bronze statue of the Manchester Eammon Holmes talks S to the statue’s creator, United manager was unveiled at Old sculptor Philip Jackson Trafford by his wife Lady Cathy. The nine-foot statue was commissioned in 2011 to mark 25 years at the club, when the North Stand was also renamed the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. Ex-players and the first-team squad were in attendance in honour of English football’s most successful manager who has been in charge for 26 years, winning 37 trophies including 12 Premier Video tributes came in from League titles and two Champions Leagues. former players, “It’s fantastic, a really proud moment,” said Sir arch rivals and even a Alex, “Normally people die before they see their former prime statue, so I’m out-living death! minister whilst thousands of “I’ve had an incredible journey at the club and fans were in I’ve had so many great players, some of whom Lady Cathy and attendance Sir Alex share a are here today. They should build this statue joke prior to the for them all, because they’ve been absolutely unveiling marvellous. From 1986 right through to today, the players have given us enormous pleasure. “Everyone has had a part to play, the players to the coaches, medical staff and, of course, the fans.” Former players , , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, , , , , and Gary and joined fans while and sent video tributes. Revealing why Lady Cathy was chosen to unveil the statue, David Gill said: “She is Sir Alex’s greatest supporter. And I think he’s a bit scared of her!” Fergie’s United trophy haul (12) — 92-93, 94-94, 95-96, 96-97, 98-99, 99-00, 00-01, 02-03, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 10-11 Champions League (2) — 98-99, 07-08 European Cup Winners’ Cup (1) - 90-91 European Super Cup (1) — 1991 Intercontinental Cup (1) — 1999 FIFA Club World Cup (1) — 2008 FA Cup (5) — 89-90, 93-94, 95-96, 98-99, 03-04 League Cup (4) — 91-92, 05-06, 08-09, 09-10 Community Shield (10) — 90, 93, 94, 96, 97, 03, 07, 08, 10,11 Current and former players attended including Sir , while David Gill paid tribute in a rousing speech

Pictures courtesy of MUTV 8 UPS ’N’ DOWNS with Phil 9 To buy, or not to buy...

etting closer to the mid-point of the A few updates from we also appreciate that some MUDSA members Gseason and so far it’s looking good. don’t have easy access to the technology that Football is a game of opinions but it’s many take for granted. The short answer to any of reasonable to conclude that most Reds the boss, plus: Will your problems is ‘give us a call’! We will help you believe we have only played our best in out in whichever way possible so please don’t brief spells. Assuming we go the way the United strengthen hesitate to get in touch. pundits expect us to, we will improve All aboard on platform 3 when the clocks tick over into 2013, but in the January sales? here’s hoping we can have a flurry of nicest and kindest people you would ever wish to We are still working on refinements to level 3 of the form before then in order to open up a meet. He was one of those characters that always wheelchair platform in the south east quadrant. A gap at the top! had something to say and it was always positive little attention is having to be paid to a few minor One thing not being discussed much at the but he was and still remains part of MUDSA folklore details, some of which you will barely notice. those people within the Club who back us 100% to moment is the January sale and whether we might for two specific reasons…Most MUDSA members Happily everything is working out well and it make these events great occasions. So thanks to all be buying someone… who knows! These days know that MUDSA has always been ahead of the would be interesting to hear your comments if you concerned including Chas and Ann Marie who do it seems harder to tell what’s happening with the game and, in the days when websites were rarely frequently use level 3. most of the donkey work behind the scenes. media rampaging on and speculating to generate used and everyone had a 56k dial-up connection, A fitting tribute Can you believe it! their own column inches. In reality it seems that Steve built the first disabled supporters website. He the January transfer window is somewhat out of did a fantastic job and, until recently, kept an eye The unveiling of Sir Alex’s statue could hardly go I would be lying if I said I was sitting in the Ability fashion judging by the declining activity over the on anything technical that needed attention. The unnoticed by anyone! It’s highly improbable that a Suite before a recent game and glanced over to the last few seasons. second instance of ‘Steve in folklore’ was when we manager will stay in his job as long as Sir Alex in plaque on the wall only to realise that next April will went to Barcelona in 99. I’ll explain more in a piece any of the top leagues in the world. I suppose you see a 10th anniversary of the opening of our Ability Steve Crompton RIP dedicated to Steve elsewhere in this issue. could say that Sir Alex has redefined the world order Suite! Actually, someone brought it to my attention On the day of my birthday I woke up thinking of when it comes to management in football. But is it and I couldn’t believe it…it doesn’t seem possible New system revisited how I was going to enjoy the rest of the weekend more likely that he will prove to be the exception that it’s been there for almost 10 years and all of but I received one of those phone calls that you Throughout this season I will revisit the new rather than the rule because of his many great that time it’s received nothing but praise at every automatically know is news you don’t want to hear. application system to give a report on progress. achievements? Everyone has long since run out of level. It is by far the envy of other clubs in terms of One of Steve Crompton’s care Unsurprisingly, we have had a mixture of superlatives to describe the genius and the gent delivering customer care to disabled supporters and team was calling to tell me comments and it would appear that the ‘written that is Sir Alex… I’m no exception but delighted he I would suggest that any negative comments you as Steve had passed away word’ explaining what was about to happen at the is building yet another team. individuals may have heard are probably, more than at 5am that day. Steve beginning of the season didn’t, and couldn’t, give likely, born of jealousy. Those people who often Success off the pitch died of pneumonia, everyone a taste of reality. travel to away games will know exactly what a great something he had On a weekly basis we get both positives and There’s no doubting the success of MUDSA events addition the Ability Suite has been and here I would endured through negatives and we do listen and try to address the as we roll through yet another season’s calendar. A like to give David Gill my sincere thanks for being many episodes and concerns of everyone. Some members seem to be crowd of more than 400 attended the Annual Dinner open to the initial suggestion all those years ago! which was largely experiencing a seismic shift in their fortunes and and witnessed give Mark Jones more than And, finally… brought on by late others are just about breaking even. Be assured a run for his money. He was very sharp and a heartfelt stage MS. that your comments don’t go unnoticed, feel thanks to David for entertaining us. Many people At this point it’s unclear whether you’ll be reading Steve was one of the free to give us your feedback, whether positive seem to think the comedian, Paul Boardman (son of this magazine at the end of 2012 or the beginning of original members of the or negative, whenever you want to. With any Stan), was one of the best we’ve had and I wouldn’t 2013, but I hope all MUDSA members and United staff formal MUDSA Committee new system there are bound to be a few niggles disagree! The Christmas Party did what it usually have or have had a fabulous Christmas. All the best to which was constituted many but we believe we have got them down to a does…create lifetime memories for the lucky MUDSA everyone for 2013… if we are all still here it basically years ago and I am pleased to minimum now. We fully anticipated that this first members who attended. The ubiquitous thanks means that the Doom Mongers got it wrong again! say that he was a dear friend. Speak to anyone who season would be the hardest to cope with for all always follow but please don’t think this dilutes The world didn’t disintegrate in mid-December! knew him and they will tell you he was one of the concerned, change is difficult for everyone and the genuine appreciation of MUDSA members of Cheers, Phil 10 EXCLUSIVE Paralympic interviews 11

anchester United fans are no Mstrangers to success with their beloved team setting the benchmark London 2012 of football excellence over the last two- and-a-half decades. But there are few will live long in the who sit amongst us on matchdays whose own personal sporting triumphs can match those of the mighty Reds. memory of anyone who Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, , winner of 11 gold, eight silver and was there to witness it, but a three bronze medals spanning six , along with her husband, Barney, himself lucky few who participated will always remain a winner of three Paralimpic golds and a silver, are Stretford End season ticket holders and kindly agreed to an exclsuve interview with Rollin’ Reds. But first we caught up with Charlotte Henshaw, another United fan and London 2012 medallist whose rise to stardom continues. Following on from a collection of gold and silver medals at recent British, European and World championships she Lords of the Rings was selected for the summer games only to be pipped for the gold by the narrowest of margins. Rollin’ Reds talks to Paralympic GB medal Charlotte Henshaw: winners and Manchester United fans, RR: Congratulations on the silver medal; it was such an exciting race, but how do you feel about missing out on gold by an almost Charlotte Henshaw and Sarah unmeasurable 0.03 seconds? Thank you! I felt really happy to finally win a and Barney Storey Paralympic medal. I have a medal from both the European and World Championships but my collection was missing that Paralympic medal. Yes, it is annoying to have just been pipped to the gold but a silver medal at the biggest competition in my career is nothing to be disappointed with. I also need to remember that six months before the Games I was diagnosed

Sarah and Barney Storey and Charlotte Henshaw show off their London 2012 medals 12 EXCLUSIVE Paralympic interviews 13

with a chronic fatigue illness and missed out on at the Heroes Parade in London. I also got to meet fans on the team so we keep each other updated qualifying. Thankfully, our Performance Director my sporting idols, Torvill and Dean, that was pretty across the dining room if we’re at a training camp. Charlotte won took the chance to take me to the Games and I’m silver in 100m amazing! I think the new signings have been pretty effective glad I could repay him by adding to our medal tally! breaststroke at RR: You were in recently to film and I think Van Persie has started to prove a lot of his London 2012 RR: You finished fourth in Beijing in 2008, Celebrity Eggheads, without giving too much doubters wrong. I heard a lot of sniping when he won silver at London 2012, is it going to be away, what was it like, how did you do and signed for United that he’d had one good season at gold in Rio in 2016? when is it on TV? Arsenal last year and that he was too old to replicate That would certainly be wonderful and I’m definitely It was brilliant. I love quizzes and have always it for the Reds. I hope his goal tally so far has started setting my sights on competing in Rio. The disability fancied having a go at a TV quiz so when I got to change their minds. swimming world is moving on in massive steps so the opportunity to go on a Paralympic Celebrity it will take some hard work to stay at the top for Eggheads to play for charity, I jumped at the chance. Sarah Storey another four years but it is a challenge I’m willing to It was really cool to see how they filmed it — very RR: So far, you’ve competed accept. I’m back in hard training now after a break different from on the television. We did pretty well. at six Paralympic games, from the pool following the London Games so my We certainly walked away with our heads held high. winning 11 gold, eight road to Rio has already started. Did we beat the Eggheads? You’ll have to tune in silver and three bronze RR: Did you get up to anything just before Christmas to find out! medals. Is ’ exciting during your post- It was RR: Back in October, the Queen held a career an inspiration to grames break? reception at Buckingham Palace for the you and how long do you I had a holiday to New York in the pretty cool London 2012 medallists. What was that like think you can carry on at week that Hurricane Sandy hit to meet Mo and did you see any corgis? the top level? so that was pretty eventful. Now Farah at the knowledge in order to support We didn’t see any Corgis, unfortunately. I think they Yes, of course, Ryan is an I’m back in training and working Heroes people as best I can as a friend were probably kept hidden away so they didn’t inspiration. It is always fantastic towards our World Championships during stressful times, like cause too much mischief. We did get to meet The to see an athlete who has been trials in Easter. Parade in during the Games. I do find Queen though. I’d met her twice before but I still able to continue their career RR: Britain’s most successful London sports psychology useful, though. got really nervous when we saw her make her way beyond the point where most female Paralympian, Sarah Storey, I had a great few sessions with my up the line of people. Lots of the Royal Family were others would have retired. I started as a swimmer and moved to psychologist in the lead up to the Games there but I think most of us were excited to meet the guess I am in that category now and admire Ryan’s cycling. Are there any other Paralympic in London and I really think that helped me deal Duchess of Cambridge, she was definitely the most drive to continue to play at the highest level, I can sports you fancy? with the pressure of performing in front of a home popular Royal there that night. She was lovely and certainly identify with that! I’d love to have a go at running on blades. As a crowd. spent lots of time with us which definitely made a RR: Your first five golds and all your silver double amputee I’ve always found it quite tough RR: How’s your professional career going great evening very special. and bronze medals came from swimming. to run on my everyday artificial limbs so I’d love to — are you actually working alongside your RR: With your training schedule you must What made you switch to cycling and how have a go on some blades to see how much easier sporting career? be busy — have you managed to get to Old easy was the transition? it would be. I’ve also been asked if I’d ever consider I’m fortunate enough to be able to be a full time Trafford yet this season and how do you I started cycling as a cross training tool during a having a go at kayaking and canoeing which both athlete — the funding I get from the National think the team are doing? series of ear infections and ended up getting hooked sound like fun sports to have a go at. Lottery and UK Sport allows me to do that which I was so busy after the Games and we tend to on it. I went back to swimming after my ears were RR: You have a degree in sports psychology is really important when you’re working towards have lots of events at the weekend so getting to better but then decided that it would be good to try — did you put it to use to help motivate any international competitions. It lets me focus on my Old Trafford is quite hard at the moment but I did a new sport and see whether I could be any good of your Paralympic GB team mates? sport. I’m really lucky to be able to do my sport as manage to get to the West Ham game at the end of at it. The transition was tough because cycling has I wouldn’t like to dish my advice out to my team my job. I go into lots of schools, do public speaking November. It had been about seven months since so many technical elements, but it was fun to learn mates but I do try to use some of my psychological and work with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust I’d last been able to be at a match so it felt amazing a new sport. as well, which is all part of my job as a to be back singing along with everyone down in RR: You compete against able-bodied cyclists full time athlete. the Stretford End. I think the season has got off to a and often beat them — does that give you an RR: Who were the most famous great start, although, the Christmas and New Year extra buzz? people you met at London period always proves to be crucial for us so we have I have always done this from being a young child 2012 and what are your best to push on into 2013. but, to me, sport is sport so it doesn’t really matter memories? Where do you normally watch the games who the opposition is. It’s been really brilliant that after and what do you think of the new signings? RR: How did you feel about being dropped London 2012 we’ve been able to do It depends where I am. The beauty of twitter — I’m from the London 2012 team pursuit squad? lots of events as the Great Britain team a huge twitter fan — is that I can keep up to date I felt excited because I was able to concentrate on as a whole, so all the Paralympians with live scores wherever I am in the world so even the tough task of winning four gold medals in the and Olympians have been together. if I can’t watch I can keep up to date with what’s Paralympics. It was pretty cool to meet Mo Farah happening, which is great. There are a few United RR: You appeared on 14 EXCLUSIVE Paralympic interviews 15

age of four — how does that affect you in RR: Who’s the most competitive? terms of training and diet? We both are, we have to be to get the best out Barney Storey amd I have to ensure I have the balance of sugar and of ourselves in competition. at London 2012 Sarah Storey is Great Britain’s insulin right to ensure I am able to fulfill my role RR: Who’s in charge of the TV remote most decorated as an athlete. Everyone else has their control? Paralympian pancreas to do this for them, but I Whoever picks it up first. We have to regularly test my blood RR: Who’s the best cook? to ensure the levels are right. We both have to be to look after ourselves as love to I haven’t really known life athletes. travel and without this routine so it is RR: Do you have time for many other so our sport not a problem to me, I have sports or hobbies? to control it correctly to get We love travelling and so our sport The is ideal for the best out of myself as an is ideal for watching other sports seeing the athlete. and seeing the world. ability of world RR: In 2006 you RR: We understand you won the able-bodied have season tickets for Old the club to National Tandem Sprint Trafford — how long have adapt and stay Championship with partially sighted you had them and where do start going to matches? Paralympian, Anthony Kappes, which made you sit? at the top is It was when I came home from you the first Paralympic team to hold the I think we have had them for about amazing university that I started going with able-bodied national title — that must have 10 years and we sit in the lower stand my brother who was at sixth form given you a massive boost. of the stretford end, two rows behind the and had his first job to pay for his with Sex & The City as your specialist subject. All partially sighted athletes are incredible athletes goal. ticket. Barney lived in Dorset so couldn’t get to Do you liken yourself to any of the characters in their own right and I have since won that title RR: What do you think of the new signings the matches until he met me when he moved to and, if so, why? with Neil Fachie as well. It didn’t surprise me that and how do you think the team are doing? Manchester No, it was just a bit of fun. we won, because we were by far the best pairing Sir Alex Ferguson has proven time and again that RR: With busy schedules, are you still able to RR: Back on October, the Queen held a in the competition, and to me, and all the other he has an eye for great new signings and bringing get to games? reception at Buckingham Palace for the riders we have raced against, sport is just sport, the in players that bond well and gel with the rest of the We go to as many as we can. It’s always great to London 2012 medallists — what was it like circumstance of someone’s eyesight is just that a squad. It has been great to see the success of the watch someone else perform for a change to meet her? circumstance and doesn’t affect their level of elite team so far this season and the new signings have RR: What has been your favourite Meeting the Queen and other members of the Royal sport. certainly complemented the rest of the team with Manchester United era (over a period of two Family is always an incredible honour and we were being an inspired new addition. or three seasons)? delighted to have been asked to go back there. We Sarah and Barney: RR: What are your best United memories? The whole era of has been amazing since Sir Alex were fortunate to meet her after the Beijing Games RR: Who were the most famous people you Beating Arsenal 8-2 last season, winning the took over. The ability of the club to change and as well and the support and pride of the Royal met at London 2012 and what are your best Champions League in 1999 and 2008. There are adapt to stay at the top is amazing. There have Family in our sports teams is fantastic. memories from there and other games? really far too many great memories to single out just been so many great players over the years and We met loads of great people at the Games, a few though and it is fantastic to see the success they have all contributed to making the club Barney Storey whether or not they are famous is for someone of the club and the family atmosphere on the worldwide success it is. Each era has RR: You’ve competed at three Paralympic else to decide! To us they are team mates or which the foundations of the club are built. created the next era and that has been games now, winning three golds and a silver opposition. The memories from every Games are RR: Do you come from a family of the key to the club remaining a driving as a sighted pilot. Could you explain that far too many to put into one answer, but in general, MUFC supporters? force within world football. and tell us how you got involved? winning medals, the crowds, the volunteers and Neither of us are from families RR: Do you have a favourite A sighted pilot is exactly that — a tandem bike pilot the Olympic Village and venues all add up to an who are obsessed with football current player, if so who? who has their eyesight. I pilot a visually impaired amazing experience. perhaps like other families, we Impossible to choose because none of rider who wouldn’t be able to compete in cycling RR: You’ve been married since 2007. Do you enjoy all sport but Manchester the players would be anything without without the support of a pilot. We work equally on train together, and if so, what’s it like to United and Manchester City are their team mates. the bike and it is important we are synchronised so work with your spouse? the teams that family members RR: All-time player? that the bike goes as fast as possible. I got involved We train together sometimes, but our events are follow. It is just Barney and I Too difficult to narrow down to just in 2001 when the previous pilot decided to go on quite different so it isn’t that often. Working with and my brother who are one, the team has been a to different challenges. He suggested I try it out and your spouse is great, we have each others best regular visitors to the victim of its own success I loved it, so have been a speciallist in that area ever interests at heart and fully understand the world matches. in that there is, without since. that we both operate in, we think it is a huge RR: At what age and doubt, an incredible list RR: You’ve been type-one diabetic since the advantage. with whom did you of players of all time.

Pictures: Paralympics GB 16 MUDSA EVENTS 17 David May with some of the lads from the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Compere at Headley Court Mark Jones entertains MUDSA the guests

Chas and Phil Annual with Mark Jones, David May and Paddy Crerand Dinner 2012

riday, November 2nd was an evening opportunity to invite them to the dinner as our way , , Quinton Fortune and Our compere then quickly moved us on to the Fof soccer stars and side-splitting of saying thanks. of course, Paddy. raffle and the prize envelopes. After finding the humour in Old Trafford’s International Also joining us again was a group of lads from A fantastic four-course meal was then served winners and presenting the prizes (including the Suite, at the 15th Annual MUDSA dinner. the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Headley before our guest speaker, David May, spent the next biggest Toblerone in the world!) it was last orders This year was a sell out attendance of 440 people Court. Organised by the ever patient Jonno, and 40 minutes answering questions from compere, at the bar and time to go home to get ready for the and the evening began at the bar — greeting our looking resplendent in their best mess kit Including Mark, and members of the audience. Arsenal game the next day. special guests Mr David May, various dignitaries in one notable case, spurs! Next, Mark introduced our comic for the evening, As always, the MUDSA Annual Dinner was a great from the club and the much loved Paddy Crerand. Mark Jones, our compere for the evening, started Paul Boardman, son of famous Scouse funnyman, evening and I can only advise you to book early for It was great to see so many of the club’s the proceedings by introducing some of our special Stan. Obviously a chip off the old block, he had the the next one as there were over 150 people who management team in attendance. The club do guests to the audience and asked them to take a audience laughing throughout his act, although, were disappointed this year. If it’s half as good as so much for MUDSA so it’s great to have the bow. Former United players who joined us were there was no mention of the ‘Geeermans’. this one you won’t regret it. Roll on 2013! 18 ADVERTORIAL TEAM TALK with Jamie 19

New book teaches that a disabled We’re going to score parent is one more than you... s if the last season’s climax wasn’t Aenough of a nail-biter for us United ...AND we’re going to fans, the team have had our nerves give you a head start! no less of jangling no fewer than 10 times already this season by going behind and then coming back to win matches. Now, I don’t know about you, perhaps you enjoy a parent the drama, but I’d much rather sit back and enjoy three and four-nil drubbings of opposition than constant repeats of the Champion’s League final from ’99 when, from 1-0 down, we scored twice in nspired by her own family’s injury time, as if I need to remind you. Iexperiences, Wendy Desmet presents It’s not that I don’t want the opposition to score her book to all families. any goals — with the away supporters sat right My Dad is Different (published by AuthorHouse), behind the disabled section at Old Trafford, it makes is an educational and love-filled story designed for good banter and atmosphere — just save it till to teach young children that disabled parents are around the 89th minute when United are 3-0 up! different from other parents, but that doesn’t make Strikeforce them any less loving or less of a parent. When their son Josh was born, Wendy and her disabilities. Finding that void, and having already The inability to keep a clean sheet reminds me disabled husband, Michael, began to plan how they discussed the same issues with Josh and Michael, of this time last year when we had lots of squad keeps getting chances and his versatility means he’s would deal with Josh’s inevitable questions about she decided to publish her book. rotation due to injuries at the back. This term, the creating them, too. From a personal point of view, his father’s wheelchair. Those plans developed into “This book will appeal to all those disabled absense of Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris though, what has been a real joy for me is seeing a My Dad is Different. parents who have a young family,” Wendy says. Smalling and at times, , have seen return to former glory for the ‘Little Pea’, Chicharito, “When Josh was three I read the story to him,” “These parents might have been born with a Antonia Valencia and filling in gaps, who’s scored nine goals in all competitions. Wendy writes, “and he enjoyed reading about disability or have had an accident or an illness. It and while they’ve performed well, I’m sure we’d all Let’s just hope our forwards continue this form himself and his Dad. helps children understand that there are many much rather see them trying to pick the opposition and that we can tighten up the defence so we can We emphasized that although his children who have a disabled parent. It will lock rather than sitting deeper to secure ours. all relax, stop biting our nails and keep any blue dad couldn’t kick a ball, he was still make them empathetic to the needs of others We have had a canny knack of turning games hands off the silverware! loved very much and that there will around them.” around, though, thanks in no small part to the fact be other things that he and his dad My Dad is Different is available in Paperback that we’ve got probably the most feared strikeforce Man Utd comebacks this season: could do together.” and E-Book format. in the league at the moment. Okay, Aug 25: 0-1 down to beat Fulham 3-2 Although much of the Paperback ISBN: 9781467890649 – was out injured for a while after his leg was gashed Sept 2: 0-1 and 1-2 to beat Southampton 3-2 social stigma against www.authorhouse.co.uk or www. and so he’s not chipped in with many goals yet, Sept 23 0-1 down to beat Liverpool 2-1 disabled persons has authorhouse.com or other online but write him off at your peril because you can Oct 2: 0-1 down to beat Cluj 2-1 dispersed, Wendy says, bookstores. be sure that come May he’ll be well into double Oct 20: 0-1 to beat Stoke 4-2 she discovered few, if E-Book ISBN: 9781467890656 – figures. Robin van Persie leads the way, so far, Oct 23: 0-2 down to beat Braga 3-2 any books, intended Sony E-books, Amazon E-books, with 10 league goals to his name — after his form Nov 7: 0-1 down to beat Braga 3-1 to help young Barnes & Noble E-books, Books for Arsenal last season, it was always going to be Nov 10: 0-2 to beat Aston Villa 3-2 readers explore on Board E-books, Scribd E-books that way. Danny Welbeck’s goal tally for England Nov 24: 0-1 to beat QPR 3-1 their parents’ and Kobo E-books. has been greater than that for United so far but he Dec 1: 0-1 and 2-3 to beat Reading 4-3 20 THE INTERVIEW Rafael da Silva 21 The boy from Brazil?

United? Your family must be very proud of I’m a man now, Jamie and Des chat to Rafael you and your brother, Fabio… I think we realised, maybe even one year after says Rafael signing, what it meant. You could never have imagined how big a club this really is. It felt good. hen Rafael first started training My family was just so happy. I think they cried Wat Manchester United as a fresh- when I signed. My family is over here with us now, faced teen with his twin brother Fabio, although they do go back and forwards between big things were expected from the boys England and Brazil. from Brazil. RR: We saw another interview with you and Now, Rafael (full name Rafael Pereira da Silva) is you were saying that it was like a dream starting to establish himself as a first-team regular, come true to play for Manchester United. even finding the back of the net twice so far this Did you grow up wanting to play season, and says it’s taken an enforced split from for Manchester United, or was Fabio, who is on loan at QPR, to make him more it teams like Palmeiras or mature. Rollin’ Reds gets all manly with the chess- You Santos that you were playing right-back… looking at? RR: You’ve been here for nearly five years could Well, I’m from near Rio, now. How easy was it for you to settle into so it was more teams like Manchester? never have Botafogo and Fluminese I first came over here when I was 15, and came Things change and now when I was growing up. to see how football was going in England… and maybe we can see that imagined Botofogo is my team, I’ve only just started to get used to the cold! But our lives are different. the team that I support I knew what to expect. I’ve been here on and off We’re not boys any more, how big a in Brazil, but I come from for nearly eight years, but only came to live here we’re young men now. club this Fluminese and used to five years ago. I first trained at Manchester United RR: Who is the best player play for them. But I heard when I was 15. I came for a few days and then flew out of you and Fabio? really is about Manchester United back to Brazil which is a 10 or 11-hour flight, but I Ha!... I always say it changes. when I was young and how got used to it. Sometimes I am better, although I have to it was the biggest club in the world. RR: How did it come about that you came admit that sometimes he plays better. I’m better at I maybe thought about it in the past when I was here when you were 15? maybe some things and he is at others, so I guess younger, but I never expected that I would actually I was playing in a Nike Cup tournament in Hong that it is good for the side and there is a good play here. Kong and me and my brother managed to play well, balance between us. RR: We know you’re not from Rio, exactly, and United spotted us and we came to training and RR: How often do you get to see him but how does Manchester compare to there? it went on from there. nowadays? I’m about 30-40 minutes outside of Rio, when RR: Do you miss Fabio, with him being on To be honest, he comes here a lot. He gets more days I’m over there. It’s a totally different place. Brazil loan at QPR at the moment? off, you see, because United are playing Champions is obviously much hotter and there are different Yes, of course I miss him. But it’s good for us. It’s a League football and QPR are not. He comes maybe things to do. Rio is a huge, huge city, too. But there good chance for us to mature and improve. We’re twice a month, or so, so it’s not so bad for us. are different things in Manchester. I wouldn’t say 22 now, and this is the first time we’ve been apart. RR: What was it like signing for Manchester it’s not as exciting as Rio. I’m here to play football, 22 THE INTERVIEW Rafael da Silva 23

though. I go over there on holiday. My job is here, RR: Do you enjoy other sports? so it’s a different feeling. Oh, I love it. I enjoy everything. I play everything. RR: You’ve scored two goals already this When I was at school in Brazil, you could get a season. Do you enjoy getting forward and scholarship to go to an important school, a good running at defences? school, if you were good at many sports. So I did Yes, of course. I’m Brazilian and all Brazilians like to that. I played volleyball, handball, basketball and go forward and score, you know! more. I even played chess! RR: Did you start off as a striker when you RR: You’ve made two full appearances for were young? the Brazil national team. What’s that been Well, when I was younger I was in midfield. I was like? more of a winger. I’ve always been pretty quick. That was all good. When you play for your country RR: Do you enjoy the English style of it’s just great. football? RR: Do you think you can keep Maicon out of Yes, I do. I think that’s maybe why I came here, the squad? because I like good, quick football and running Ha! He’s not actually playing in the side at the all the time. So it’s good here for me. moment. It’s more Daniel Alves, who’s at Barcelona, RR: You’ve made 15 appearances this in that spot. But if I do well here then I just hope that season and scored twice. How does it Brazil call me up. feel to be a regular in the side and more RR: We know Brazil are always a strong established? side, but how are they looking at With a big squad it’s always hard to break into the the moment? squad but It’s always good to get a run of games, They’re just improving at the im enjoying it a lot at the moment. moment and settling down. At school RR: A couple of years ago, you and Fabio Maybe at the beginning I played Oh yes. But I don’t think both played on the wings against Arsenal of this squad some of the pressure is the word. There and you did very well. In fact, you helped players hadn’t played with everything… will be big, BIG pressure. set up Fabio’s goal. What’s your favourite each other before, but Massive pressure. I never position to play? now they start playing volleyball, heard people speak about First of all I love right-back, definitely. But I do enjoy very well indeed. In Brazil, football like they do in playing on the wing and midfield. But I’ll play any is the big, big star. They handball, Brazil. Everyone there position to be honest. But whatever position, when just talk about him all of the basketball, is so excited, everyone is you play a part in any football match, it’s good. time. He’s scoring lots of goals at expecting Brazil to win. The RR: You played every game in the Olympics the moment. He’s a very, very good even chess! Olympics is going to be in and won a silver medal. How was that player. Brazil, too, in 2016. So, there’s experience, playing with Neymar, Hulk and RR: Do you think he will come over huge pressure. other big stars? here? RR: Finally, what would you prefer… scoring It’s all good experience for me, the final even more You never know. There’s always talk about Neymar the winning goal in the Champions League so because we lost. I can learn from experiences like playing in Spain. I think he could play anywhere. final for Manchester United, or scoring the that. All tournament football is good. The Olympics RR: Brazil haven’t won the World Cup since winner for Brazil in a World Cup final? were great, though, with all the other sports and 2002. Do you think there will be any extra Oh, that’s a hard, hard question. The answer is that other people and countries. It was an amazing pressure when your country hosts the I want both. I can’t say what I’d prefer because they experience. tournament in 2014? would both be the biggest moments of my life! 24 have your say FUTURE SHIRT 25 with Andy Your letters Kenji Hi A big thank you for the happiness and joy you gave my husband. The gift of meeting the players at the Christmas party Gorre and lots of happy memories of a Dutch-born winger fantastic time which I thank you for with all Dear Cara, is the son of former my heart. Despite the awful wet I’ve sent a photo of and cold weather, we Huddersfield Town Howard and would managed to make it to legend, Dean Gorre be very grateful if the pre-season game you could put it in against Ajax Cape the programme. Town! Howard Watts God-willing and her 30/09/1961 — 11/10/2012 For Sir Alex, health stabilising, we can work toward fulfilling From his wife, Claire Watts I have epilepsy and have always been a Red. Some Rowena’s wish of visiting Old Trafford next year! people will not understand how your winning team Best Wishes, Zee. Dear Phil, can give people like me, a ‘lift’ on a difficult day. l’m writing to thank you very much for your support After we recently beat Newcastle I wrote this: Hi Phil, and for the help you gave me and my grandson, I remember many re-weavings Hope all is well. Just an e-mail to say thanks for your Leeroy Graham, to join Manchester United Disabled and fabric still evident. efforts in making the weekend happen and inviting Supporters Association. Passageways and maze pathways some of the lads to the Arsenal match the next day. He and his carer went along to Saturdays game through forests of violent interception I speak on behalf of all the guys who were able to against Arsenal and said it was a ‘wicked’ day out or dumbstruck obstruction. attend, as I was able to see how much they enjoyed — just the best! It was the first time he’d seen a live Woven with a magic grace the evening and the result next day! Who would match. l thank you from the bottom of my heart. instilled from decades of search, Marie Owens dye work and strengthening intertwined with the magic of instinct and genius. Patterns of passes left on weft fter joining United back in 2002 with the yarn of practiced efficiency, Aas a schoolboy, he has impressed sometimes off-set by the cleverness with his work on the flanks and of determined obstacles in parallel become a part of Paul McGuinness’ and damaged thread. squad for the 2011/12 season. But overall a ruby cloth for entertainment Clearly a talented individual, he is able to swelled by the liquid of finance work his magic on either flank and likes to run and worldwide wanted association. at defenders. A brilliant strike against Wolves in Still using the same design for victory have guessed David May would be so funny! An February opened his account for the Reds at the pinnacle for the least fanatical excellent weekend and thanks again to all those Under-18 level and emerged as a contender for reached so many times who helped with the arrangements. It’s always a MUTV’s Goal of the Month competition. in decades I have desperately needed pleasure for me to see the effects on the guys. All in all, he made nearly as many substitute the expectancy, the euphoria and I know you’ll catch up with a few of the guys appearances, seven, as starts, eight, but he will the lift from my pit, of goals gained. again at the various home games. In the meantime, I look to pin down a starting spot in the 2012/13 All designed by a Knight hope the season continues to go well and hopefully term. called - Ferguson. I’ll catch up with you soon. An outing in the Reserves towards the end David Knight Regards Johno (Headley Court) of the season showed he is held in high regard. 26 FOR THE SHIRT 27 From Borussia

Sir Alex: I am with love delighted he has chosen Former Dortmund has to come to bonded well with his new team United

hinji Kagawa completed a remarkable particularly fruitful. From Sascent when Manchester United January 2012, speculation signed him from in was rife that he would leave June 2012, just three years after he was the club and six months playing in the Japanese second division. later he was heading The Kobe-born playmaker’s rise to the top began out of Dortmund for a at just five years old with Marino Football Club before new challenge at Old he took in junior spells at Kobe NK FC and FC Miyagi Trafford, becoming Barcelona, the latter of which acts as a feeder club for the first Japanese local professional side Cerezo Osaka. player to play He signed terms with Cerezo aged just 17 and for United. Sir broke through into the first team in 2007, playing 35 Alex said: “I matches in Japan’s second tier. In 2009, he was top am delighted scorer in the division with 27 goals in 44 games and he has chosen his performances attracted the attention of European to come to clubs, with Dortmund eventually snapping him A confident dribbler and also accomplished United. I believe he will make an impact up for €350,000 in August 2010, halfway through finisher from midfield, with a penchant for a long- upon the team quickly as he is suited Cerezo’s first season back in the J-League. range effort, Kagawa made an immediate impact in to our style of play.” his first season at Dortmund and was named in the He made his United debut as a Confident Bundesliga Team of the Year despite missing half of substitute in a friendly in South Africa His international debut came in 2008, when he the campaign through injury. He endeared himself against AmaZulu with his Premier was also selected to play for Japan at the Beijing to the Westfalenstadion faithful when predicting he League debut following soon after Olympics, though he missed out on selection for would score a brace in a derby clash with Schalke against Everton when he played the the 2010 World Cup. Kagawa did, though, go on and going on to do just that in a 3-1 win. full 90 minutes. to become a key figure for Alberto Zaccheroni in Dortmund won the league at the end of his He has since gone on to look both the 2011 Asian Cup and the 2014 World Cup first campaign and the tricky midfielder went from very comfortable in United’s qualifying campaign. The creative midfielder’s most strength to strength after returning from injury in attacking midfield and prior to impressive performance for the Blue Samuari to date time for the 2011-12 season. He was instrumental a lengthy knee injury just two came in the 2011 Asian Cup quarter-final, when he in the club retaining the Bundesliga and securing months into his debut season, had claimed a match-winning brace against Qatar to seal a Double for the first time in their history, with his already poached two Premier progress to the last four. relationship with striker proving League goals. 28 BETWEEN THE HEADPHONES with Nigel 29 A New Year’s resolution Let’s turn Old Trafford into a cauldron of noise!

e are now nearly half way Whilst we’ve qualified for the difficulties. A number of individuals seem to be back to their best. Thank Wthrough the league season Champion’s League knock-out stage both within MUDSA and the Club are goodness for that; this is the one and it’s got to be one of the with ease, that too doesn’t tell the working constantly to resolve these thing that makes all the difference to most peculiar I’ve witnessed in full story. problems. I know that this doesn’t us if we don’t have the commentary, the 49 years I’ve been a United We have some very hard games help those visually impaired regular then most of us haven’t got a clue supporter. coming up over the Christmas and supporters who have had very few what is happening on the pitch! I’m sure the flat atmospheres at New Year period not least of which games this season. However, you Don’t forget to contribute to the home haven’t helped, but some will be the home match against must keep applying for games and half-time draw. We’ve had two of the results both home and away West Brom. We used to have some you must also let us know if you are winners in our section recently so have been somewhat bewildering to fantastic games with them in the 60s experiencing continual turn downs. there is living proof that it’s worth it! say the least. For example, we had and 70s, and they won’t be the push If you don’t let us know what’s If you don’t contribute you don’t the glorious victory at Newcastle over they were at the beginning of happening, we can’t do win. If you do contribute, (how upset those Geordies were), last season when we beat them 5-0 anything about it. If you MUDSA you stand a chance! although, the away fans are so high at the Hawthorns. tell us, we can try. and the MUDSA supports you, up at St James’ Park that the players Our section has so why not support Volume Club are look like dots, even when viewed also been without MUDSA, albeit in a small through a strong monocular, then I just wish that everyone would the audio version of the working to but much appreciated defeat at home against Tottenham make a very early New Year’s match programme for resolve the way. Our treasurer brought us back down to earth with resolution to really get behind the most of the season. As problems Sue is always in the a bump. The victory at Chelsea team. There is no reason why Old Phil has explained (when concourse just in front of raised us up again, and the close Trafford shouldn’t be an absolute I’ve repeatedly pestered him on t h e disabled loos at least one victory at Villa but then the defeat at cauldron of noise. Yes, many away this matter) there are some software and a half hours before kick-off. Norwich made me wonder why we grounds are often very quiet until problems which he is endeavouring When you receive this edition were finding life so difficult! the reds make their presence felt, to resolve. Hopefully it will not be too of the Rollin’ Reds, I will be in the Then came QPR at home who we but there is no reason why 75,000 long before this much appreciated sunshine watching you all in the should have thrashed (if the league people shouldn’t be able to crank up CD is back with us. cold, hopefully making a big noise positions are anything to go by) and the volume at home. There were also some logistical as we gain maximum points from if it hadn’t been for a ten minute As will have been well difficulties with the commentary games over the Christmas and New burst in the second half we may well documented elsewhere in this early on in the season. Due to Year period! have come unstuck! Yet, you look at issue, the introduction of the new continued vigilance by our stewards, Enjoy the football and have a merry the league table and we are still up ticketing arrangements for disabled and the technical guys who make Christmas and a happy New Year. there! supporters has not been without its the commentary happen, things Nigel MY MUFC with Andy 31

DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION Merchandise John DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION Cullum

NEW!

e are committed to offering our Wmembers fairly priced products with all the profits going to MUDSA. Merchandise is available on match days from Andy in the Ability Suite and from Liz in the From: quadrants. Merchandise is also available from the Hyde club museum. Age: Lanyards NEW £2.50 40 Badges £2.50 Number of years supporting United: Keyrings (leather) £3.00 30 Keyrings (metal) £1.00 Earliest memories of Manchester United: Pens (boxed) £3.00 FA Cup 1983 Phone charms £2.50 Best United Memory: SPECIAL OFFER The Treble — 1999 Boxed pen OR leather Favourite all time United Player: keyring AND a badge £5.00 Eric Cantona Merchandise is also available at MUDSA events or Favourite current player: by mail order (plus p&p). Contact Andy, Ann-Marie NEW! Wayne Rooney or Liz (details on contents page). Player would most like at United: Messi Most memorable MUDSA moment: The Christmas parties Hobbies: Music and films Usual match day companion: NEW! My mum Store hundreds of MP3s, digital photos or other NEW! computer files on this handy 1GB USB memory stick. It has a built-in keyring loop and comes in a presentation box — yours for just £4.50! ABOUT US “I’m helping young footballers to achieve We deliver football coaching, skills training, personal development and their dreams.” – Adam Calow, Ability Counts Coach life-changing experiences, providing young people with opportunities to change their lives for the better. “I love playing for GOAL Manchester United.” To educate, motivate – Katie Zelem, and inspire future Under 17s Player generations to build better communities for all.

We aim to achieve our goal by delivering in five areas: FOOTBALL COMMUNITY COHESION HEALTH EDUCATION “Volunteering for CHARITIES the Foundation has changed my life.” – Ali Hanif, Volunteer

CONTACT DETAILS www.mufoundation.org E. [email protected] T. 0161 868 8600