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fascinating and compelling though this contest should
be outright scoring chances may well be at a premium.
Skipper Best has pledged his future to Kingspan and Ireland
until 2018, at least, a signal that world-class players do see
Ulster as competing at the highest level, and Ruan Pienaar
has signalled he would welcome a protracted stay with the
club. Director of Operations for the professional game, Bryn
Cunningham has shrewdly tied down a clutch of younger
players to long-terms deals, and there is much to savour for
fans in the short, medium and longer term.
Supporters should be buoyed by such significant off-the-field
action, by the addition of Les Kiss to the coaching armoury,
and the plethora of state-of-the-art developments which are
enriching the experience of a visit to the stadium.
And calmly assessing the mass of positives fans, which
deserve reward for their steadfast attendance and
understandably want to see tangible results in the form of
silverware, must be as committed to the future as
are the players and management. Ulster’s
strength, as it has grown into one of the
most imaginative clubs of the professional
era, has been an unique bond between
those who pay and those who play –
each needs the other when there are
‘blips’ and periods of transition.
So let’s hope Edinburgh gets the warmest
of welcomes on the pitch and from the
stands and terraces this evening, and a
sustained rousing support will most certainly
give the hosts a helping hand.
Alan Solomons goes about his business quietly
and tends to avoid the spotlight, but many will
appreciate the service he gave Ulster and he’ll
deserve that acknowledgement tonight.
And Michael Allen and John Andress are key members of
his Edinburgh squad and played a part in the four-try defeat
of the Dragons last weekend, and they’ll want to get their
chance tonight and will surely receive the applause for what
they contributed in their time in the white shirt.
So, a rugby match of importance is the focus for everyone,
but for Ulster supporters this is a real chance to show
their input. As two daunting months of fixtures beckon the
challenges to the players and staff are obvious, and they will
be faced with a confident smile when the fans who fill the
stadium to capacity – many of whom travel so loyally across
Europe to urge the side on – give colourful, vocal expression
to ‘the cause’.
It’s been a tricky few weeks, but we are fortunate that we have
such high-class sporting entertainment to enjoyably distract
and to fuel our spirits.
It’s time to relish our good fortune and to reflect that with a
noisy, electric atmosphere in a very special arena which still
resonates to the special memories of a long history.
A history which has shaped a future of such exciting
anticipation.
ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
@RODNAWN1