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Big Carl the football steward

Emdad Rahman

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 With golden jacket shining
Amid banter and camaraderie
Steward Carl of Anfield
Face at the scene of Amity

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Knight of the stand struts
Marshalling the Centenary
Herself a rep at Goodison
Bootle Jan say’s he’s just a big softie

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Observing the action at both ends
Velvet steel patrols the beat
Eyes in the back of the head
Custodians Carl, Jan and Pistol Pete

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 30.08.11

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman

© Emdad Rahman

Notes

Inspired by the superb Kevin Halls poem about stewards. The stewards at Anfield are people’s people. We all enjoy a great laugh. Carl fits the bill, yet he’s definitely no walkover. I’ve found them very helpful, even when I’ve gone down during a game to pray quickly in the corner. I’ve been given space and extended full courtesy for the few minutes I’ve required.

It’s a very interesting subject raised by Kevin as courtesy towards paying fans is an absolute priority for a club. I spoke to a steward today who enlightened me:

“I’ve had a seat chucked at my head, people too drunk to find their seats, I’ve been punched protecting an away fan, and abused by away fans who slyly bought tickets in the home section.

“You name it – it’s happened. Stewards are there for the fans safety not to make trouble.

“If a steward addresses something then the rules are being broken or the club has asked them to. It’s just a job, they don’t invent issues, just follow the clubs or Councils instructions.”

I couldn’t agree more. Stewards are usually supporters who are in touch with the fans. It’s usually the snob officials who are the worst as I found out prior to the 2010 FA Cup Final.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/big-carl-the-football-steward/