Yesterday Linfield tv and official media took a trip down memory lane recalling the happy times we all enjoyed when Linfield won the Irish League after a hugely enjoyable 3-1 win at Solitude.
Another supporter shares below his memories of that very special Waterworth week.
“Thanks for the great idea for showing on Linfield TV what was a very exciting end to the season 3 years ago. Great memories for all who were present at those Final few matches from the 2016/17 season.
Last week’s broadcast from Coleraine brought back lovely memories for my dad and I at the Coleraine Showgrounds watching our team defeat a good Coleraine team in the second half. The news filtering through that Crusaders were slipping up not far away at Ballymena tilted the destiny of the title in our direction.
We left Coleraine heading back towards home excited that we had tickets for the final Cliftonville game at Solitude.
The week couldn't have gone in quick enough. But when I went to pick up my Dad the following Saturday, he told me that he wasn't able to go to the match. My father had a pain in his right foot and was in agony!
So I traveled to Ballysillan and boarded the bus, sitting beside a familiar face that I had once seen before.
It was Andy Waterworth's dad, Don, who I directed to Shamrock Park, Portadown previously. (That's another story lol)
Anyway we chatted away, went and watched the match. Saw Andy score his hat-trick and the rest is history.
We then met up again and headed to Windsor Park.
Stopping to have a pint in the Windsor Snooker & Recreation Club off the Lisburn Road before walking down to Windsor Park for the continued celebrations. We chatted mostly about Andy's goals plus the fact that he was getting married in a few weeks.
What a proud man Don was that day and it was a pleasure being in his company especially with the absence of my own father.
It was great to see the Railway end of the stadium full of happy Linfield fans singing their hearts out as one by one the Linfield players and staff came out of the tunnel onto the pitch.
The likes of big Roy Carroll celebrating and getting his photo taken with fans was wonderful to see, Brilliant day!
The next week of course was Irish Cup Final day and as per usual I headed to Carrickfergus to pick up my Dad. Back to full health he was able to go to the match.
It was great being over in a packed out North Stand again, which we had been accustomed to during the redevelopment of the stadium.
Windsor Park full of supporters, colour and a blue sky plus the fans singing and flag waving, we knew that this was going to be a day to remember.
Right from when the match started, Linfield looked hungry for the victory and again who was the hero on the day?
Yes that man, Waterworth!
I'm sure Don had an even bigger smile on his face that Saturday.
You bet my dad and I had...and many thousands of blue men and women walking away from the stadium.
Thanks to Linfield tv for giving us all something to look forward to, these past few Saturdays.
Looking forward to finally get back to some normality and getting to support our wee team again.
Forever Blue”.
Robert Patterson
