Dan F (CTMD)

[Brewer46]

Does any remember Dan F who used to be the Moderator on the old Clough The Magic Dragon forum? Not seen any of his posts for a very long time.

[swaddy Dave]

I remember Dan well, he was a decent guy but I did find it strange that a Shrews fan was a moderator on a Brewers forum.

[Norah]

Think he is still in Burton. he occasionally comes up on FB as commenting on something the a friend has posted. I believe he was a friend of Karl who started the CTMD.

[Newark Colin]

He was a really good moderator and seemed an all round top bloke. Those that know him send him my regards.

[Dan F]

Well... thanks to Nora for letting me know about this and thanks for the kind regards!

It WAS strange being a Shrewsbury fan moderating a Burton forum, but back in the day when I started you have to remember that you were a bit rubbish! We were literally leagues above you, professional and the odds on you bettering us were really quite slim!

I've lived in Burton for over 30 years now, and I'm only 37 so refer to myself as Shrewsbury born, Burton bred. It was only natural as a football fan I'd develop an interest in my local club. Back then, Albion were a lovely little family concern, playing entertaining football. I would go home and away with Shrewsbury, then for a time (with you in the Doc Martens league) home and away with any non-clashing Burton matches and I really did develop a passion for the team, even becoming the modern version of the Burton Albion Supporters' Football Club's first manager for a time. Mainly because no-one else wanted to do it, admittedly

Around the time of the Man U game my passion really soared, and even went to Old Trafford in face paint and participating in a TV show with the rest of the supporters team. That point was the crossroads for my support, looking back. After that game, I looked to get a half season ticket - I'd been going to all home games for a while then, so thought it would make sense. It didn't, as when I worked it out it was cheaper to pay on the gate!

I discussed it with Ben Robinson - my Dad knew him, and I'd known him for years to at least say hello to, he'd even bought me drinks on occasion despite knowing who I supported. I explained that the pricing structure was flawed and he basically told me 'tough'. That was the moment the love affair started to diminish, and I only ever went to one more non-Shrewsbury Burton match after that - the Oxford one, you know which I mean!

Burton Albion had gone from being the friendly community club, that you could nip to and spend a few quid to see a good game of football and it was from then on a business. Was that the right thing for the club and die-hard supporters? Undoubtedly, look where you are now. But that wasn't the club I almost fell in love with, and with you guys having been either in the same league or a league below for the last few years I can't in good conscience give you any support.

Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to have been a little part of the supporter history, and I was proud to see that little club win the league we have done in the past last year. But it's different now, you're a professional rival. I'd love to see you finish a point behind us still, that was always my take on it. But I doubt I'll go to the Pirelli ever again for a game that doesn't involve Shrewsbury. It's not the same, and it's too expensive.

I wish you well, and still count a few supporters as friends. And one as a supplier, hi Andy

All the best.

[Brewer46]

Thanks Dan. A nice little piece showing how the club has grown through your personal experience.
What happened to Karl, Karl Saville was it not his name?