In September 2011, Plymouth Argyle was in administration and the future was uncertain.
The supporters were doing what they could to keep the flame alive, organising and collecting for the unpaid staff and players.
Dark days in Devon, and at times it seemed that the wider football community was indifferent to our fate.
But from East Sussex, support was coming our way.
In 1997, a message of support for a similarly beleaguered Brighton and Hove Albion FC from teenaged Plymouth Argyle fan Richard Vaughan had sparked a terrace-led campaign – Fans United.
Inspired by Richard’s message, thousands of supporters from clubs all over the country made their way to Brighton’s next fixture to stand with the Seagulls and add their voices to Brighton’s fight for survival.
Memories of our part in their fight against oblivion have always burned brightly amongst the Seagulls supporters.
So when it was our time of need, hundreds of fans from Brighton and other clubs came to Home Park on Saturday, September 24th 2011 to show solidarity for the Pilgrims.
The legendary performance poet Attila the Stockbroker led the fans in communal protest at our plight in the Fans’ Fest tent that day – those that were there will never forget it.
The result that day was of no consequence.
While the Seagulls fans taught the Devonport End a few new songs, the larger lesson was that we were not alone.
Fans United – a special moment in our history, and one to cherish.
