Next in our series to tell us about their love of the club is our Supporters Liaison Officer, Richard Todd.
Richard (pictured on the right) tells us about his background growing up supporting the club, with his father and grandfather and gives us an insight into what his role involves with the club.
What is your name and what is your role at Larne Football Club?
Richard Todd , Supporters Liaison Officer
What do you do within your role on a daily basis at the club?
My role as Supporters Liaison Officer alongside Callum McIlroy (Junior Supporters Liaison Officer) consists of a wide range of duties from observing what matchday facilities work and what doesn’t, getting information to all three supporters clubs who run buses to away games and keeping the supporters clubs updated on what ideas the club has to try and improve the matchday experience for all supporters.
We meet with Lyn Kernohan and Niall Curneen regularly to discuss any issues and bounce ideas off each other. We have really enjoyed working with Niall and Lyn, they both care about the club and have a great passion in their respective roles! We also sit down with supporters club representatives on occasions and explain our ideas and ask them for their input. Myself and Callum also try to be a voice for those supporters who don’t have a direct contact to the club and try to help individuals who are having issues with season ticket enquiries or other matchday issues.
What are the plans for the year ahead at Larne FC?
On matchdays I also volunteer to assist with the general operation for a home game at Inver. Normally I do the away turnstiles with Derek McWhirter or Linda Ross, this role consists of being at Inver Park for approx 1pm to get our information from Niall and having the away turnstile open for approx 1.30/1.45pm for a 3pm kick off.
How did you get involved with Larne Football Club?
I have always had an involvement with Larne Football Club from going to games as a young boy with my father and grandfather who were both passionate Larne fans. I remember growing up listening to my granda’s stories of Larne and the Steel and Son’s cup winning teams over the years! My dad was also on the Larne board for a number of years and I was also an active member of the old Red and whites supporters club which amalgamated with the Inver Reds which is now the Inver Red and Whites supporters club.
I was a regular on the terraces for many years but like alot of fans my attendance wavered for a period of time prior to Kenny Bruce getting involved.
Towards the end of last season the club advertised for a the supporters liaison officer role and I was lucky to be appointed the role which I have really enjoyed carrying out.
Do you have another job outside of Larne FC? If so, what are they and what do they involve?
I work in the maintenance department in a local pharmaceutical factory full-time. I have been employed there for 24 years and enjoy my work and whilst the country has came to a virtual standstill during the Coronavirus outbreak we have been extremely busy supplying hospitals with sterile solutions (intravenous drips).
I am also chairman of Larne Rangers Supporters Club and a committee member and founder member of Larne Northern Ireland Supporters Club which runs buses to all of Larne’s away games.
Do you find it easy to manage your other commitments along with your role at club, how do you do it?
At times it can be very time consuming but football is my passion and I enjoy getting to matches. I wouldn’t be able to volunteer my time to any of the clubs if I didn’t have a very understanding wife! My son goes to every Larne game with me and has been to Ibrox with me also on a few occasions.
I look forward to the summer to get a break then two weeks later I can’t wait for it to start again!
And finally, why do you love the club and what motivates you to carry out your role at Larne Football Club?
I love the family atmosphere that has always been around Larne FC , whilst for a few years attendances hadn’t been great to go on a Saturday now and see people you hadn’t seen in years is fantastic.
Following your local team is totally different to following a Scottish or English team, it’s great to see the players in the town centre or out doing community work and living in the town you get an opportunity to strike up a relationship with them and also with board members.
I really enjoy attending the games and enjoying being part of a network of people that are always trying to improve the club and matchday experience.
