Pat McManus Testimonial

7 July 2024

So here we go, a final goodbye to Pat McManus after 11 years and 534 games in charge.  Badgers v Legends in glorious sunshine, a litany of current and former Badgers on each side and a couple of guest managers including no less than Eugene McManus – oh, and Harry Redknapp too. 

On paper, the sides looked pretty evenly matched.  In practice, it didn’t work out like that.  The Legends started much the stronger… the Badgers worked their way back into it… and then the Legends took over.  But this wasn’t an afternoon for keeping score.  It was an afternoon for physio Shabs to play at right-back and try to keep up with Marcelo Rossi.  An afternoon for this season’s team-mates to challenge one another to a foot-race.  An afternoon for the occasional rugby tackle and bear-hug to replace a tackle.  And an afternoon for laughter. 

We were keeping score, of course: by half-time it was 4-1 to the Legends, Obeng from a tight angle after beating the keeper to the ball, Pitman from inside the box after a sensational run and pass from Carbayo-Borges, a beautiful chip from Pitman putting Obeng in – and, the third goal, a penalty from Shabs after Alex Haynes was fouled.  Just before half-time, one back for the blues when Vince Bartram saved superbly from Tom Hill and Pat’s former assistant Stew McAlpine turned home the rebound. 

The second half saw personnel changes (had to keep a close watch on this, as everyone was wearing number 534), but no obvious change to the flow of the game: one glaring defensive error, Obeng converted.  And then the magic moment – Cassius Newton fouled, penalty for the Badgers, and Pat subbed on to take it to great cheers.  Saved by Vince – Pat sorted his feet out, rebound – also saved, scrambled away.  No dream finale, then, although Pat did play a super pass through to Harry Jeffries, who duly scored – lovely assist, ex-gaffer! 

The Legends won 7-2, if anyone cares.  They could have scored more if they hadn’t tried to walk the ball in on several occasions.  Heath Bartram made two or three great saves; at the other end Vince showed that he was taking it seriously and was probably man of the match.  But this was one of those days when everyone was a winner.  I’m sure there’ll be a few sore bodies tomorrow, but it was fun for all concerned.

Thanks to everyone – the organisers, the volunteers, the players, and most of all to Pat.  And now, normal business resumes...