Incredible reception for Carlisle today. Sensitive interview...and then Carlisle comes out with how Ollie helped him so much personally and how Ollie and Bircham love the club and how in this week when the club was in dire straights they are part of the fabric of a real club. It was really something. Carlisle was pretty amazing today...the crowd rose to him...but he gave a lot back
I was lucky enough to get an invitation to the W12 hospitality suite today and Carlisle was there before the game along with Steve Wicks. I missed the half-time pitch interviews because there was a pint of Guinness with my name on it, but they were both interviewed in the W12 suite before the game by Andy Sinton. There was palpable love in the room for Carlisle and he spoke eloquently (as he always does) and movingly about how much that meant to him. Every bit worthy of being in the Forever Rs club for me and if it helps him in any way, all the better.
The full pitch interview is on the website. Just watched it back, and admit to getting s little tearful. Clarke is a proper gent, and I hope that the support shown by the crowd help him to calm his demons and get well.
Fair comment, I was disappointed when he left us abruptly. But I suspect there were emotional/psychological reasons why he didn't want to be far from his family - depression was kicking in even then. I was pleased to see him on Saturday. The guy is so intelligent and articulate, you just feel he would have been a success in whatever walk of life he chose. But mental illness is a massive millstone around anyone's neck. I wish him and his family the very best.
He's just been on "This Morning" with his wife talking about his illness and attempts at taking his life. Absolutely heartbreaking seeing what depression does to a person and impact in his family.
