The Western Sydney Wanderers capped off a memorable maiden season with a Minor Premiership (albeit a disappointing Grand Final loss). Even more memorable was the sight of the Wanderers fans filling nearly every seat to capacity at Parramatta Stadium. The Wanderers boasts some of the most die hard fans in the A-League, and this was surely one of the reasons why the team was so successful during there first year in the competition. The introduction of the Wanderers to the A-League last season was just the injection the competition needed, as the sight of the Red and Black Block was enough to strike fear in the hearts of any opposing teams. Hopefully these impressive crowd attendances are a sign of things to come for the A-League, as Australian Soccer crowds need to expand. In this Interview Inside the Box will chat to die hard Wanderers fan Steve Mortada on the key to the club's success and what's in store for the Wanderers in their second year of existence.
1. First of all congratulations on being part of the fasting growing team in Australian sport, how does that feel?.
Truly amazing!! Put it this way, I don’t think there has been an off season for myself and many fans as we still chant and talk about the wAnderful inaugural season we had.
2. Sitting in those fan forums ( several fan forums were held by the FFA to get fans say on how the club was to run) did you ever picture the club to be such a success on and off the field?
I think for all who were involved in the forums they did dream and envisage that their club could do well in years to come, but certainly the rapid success in which the WSW rose to the top truly was stuff DREAMS are made of. The culture within our fans is strongly attributed to the RBB and the passion they bring, I would say this has put pressure on all A-League active support to step up.
3. The fan forum was a success should they become compulsory for all A - league club owners?
100%!! Imagine if the A-League was filled with teams that had this passion and support from its fans because they had been involved with the club from inception….oh what an atmosphere it would be.
4. What was last season's highlight for you?
So many to list but I would have to say the night we defeated CCM at Blue tongue to take the #1 spot. That night it poured down rain on us as we marched from the Settlers tavern to the stadium and brought our boys home. Magical.
5. You have the best travelling supporters in the league, considering australia's geographical landscape it must cost you a fortune?
Off season is a great way to save your pennies lol. Personally last season I did all the NSW away games but no interstate games, will be different this season though, I guess it’s the love you have for your club that you are willing to travel.
6. You were previously in the Bay 67 supporters group but will switch to the Red &Black Block this year, explain the difference to our readers?
Quite simply if you have the desire to chant, sing and jump for 90minutes, the RBB is where you need to STAND. Round 1 as the rain fell, I looked over from bay67 to the RBB and watched the passion they expelled, I knew where I had to be the following season. It’s the active support that brings the atmosphere to our games and its as addictive as any drug, the more you give the more you feel rewarded. Win or lose you sing, win or lose you give for your colours.
7. How does one become a member of the Red & Black Block, is there an initiation process?
You fill in an application form with the WSWFC and pay your $195 to be part of the best active support in the southern hemisphere, initiation yes, every game is an initiation as you may get showered with beer lol
8. Do fans regularly meet up?
Our club has a very diverse fan base. Being the west you find we are everyday knock about people who love to have fun and keep it real. Many fans do meet up outside club games and during the off season the fans along with the RBB have been supporting the Wanderers powerchairFC with lots of active support too. The fans will also be gathering on 21st July for a fan day to have lunch/drinks and sing together. One of the club members Dougie actually organised this as a way of therapy during the lull.
9. Come game day, talk us through the day of a Western Sydney Wanderers home game?
Hmmm Game day … the holiest of hollies. It starts with many fans gathering at the Woolpack where many come to hydrate and get into the festival spirit(for me though it starts with ironing my black undies for luck). Fans talk and discuss anything and everything Red and Black, When our Band La Banda arrives and the drums start beating and the chants start vocalising you know the party is about to begin. Everyone gets involved and we all start the game day ritual of the march down church St. The streets flood with Red and Black as the band fills the air with beating drums and trumpets. Onlookers are excitedly captivated and applaud the progression. Once the whistle blows time on its 90 mins of solid chanting and getting the entire stadium on their feet responding to our call. Who do we sing for….
10. Lets talk about the infamous flares, with Australian Sporting venues being tame with rules & regulations do you think having flares and confetti is good for the game or should we embrace the south American / European style of the ultra fan base?
I recall Ante Covic saying that the Flares are exciting and bring great atmosphere to the game and that in Europe its accepted. I think confetti and streamers are great I mean when a team lifts the finals trophy the entire stadium is showered with confetti so what’s the difference.
11. Is it safe for a family to sit with or near the RBB?
Why wouldn’t it be?
12. Its season 2 for the Wanderers, do you fear the dreaded second season syndrome?
I believe that the team will march on much the same way they did last year. If for whatever reason they hit hurdles than as our words echo in our chant “Win or Lose we will always follow you"
13. Will their be more members this season?
As we speak, we currently have in excess of 9000 members, almost 2000 more than last year.
14. With the new Parramatta stadium upgrade being announced last week as a fan of both the Parramatta Eels and Wanderers would you like too see more Red and Black around the stadium.
Most definitely!! We play 13 home games there as opposed to the 6 or 7 the Eels do, so of course lets paint the stadium in Red and Black permanently.
Written by Alex Stilianos.
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