Ricky Parker has Joined the club in the Position of Supporter Liaison. SLOs act as a bridge between football clubs and supporters by providing a two-way flow of information around key topical issues.
So, Ricky a big welcome to the club, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi lads, my name is Ricky Parker and I’m from Cobh. I’m a current serving Garda in Cork City and also served in the Irish Navy. I’m a Cobh Ramblers and Liverpool fan and I play locally for Cobh Wanderers junior team. I’m a big sports fan, I try and go and watch as many of the local teams as possible and show support.
You’ve been a Rambler’s fan for quite some time, how did your love for the club develop?
I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t supporting Ramblers. I remember the league winning season back in 07 but I didn’t travel to Athlone unfortunately. The following season was tough in the premier league. The club had a tough 2/3 years after it but the town kept it alive and were really seeing the benefits from it now. How lucky are we to have a league of Ireland club on our doorstep on the island!
The SLO is a relatively new role in Irish football, can you tell us a little bit about what it entails?
There’s a really big push from the FAI at the moment for every club to have an SLO which is a really good thing. There are a good few clubs who’ve had them for a while and it is an important role. Having a direct link from the supporters to the Committee and board is a crucial aspect to engage with a 2 way flow of information.
You were recently in The Aviva for a 2024 Kick-off SLO meeting – your first – how did that go?
It went very well. The workshop from the FAI was very informative. Engaging with other SLOs was also very beneficial. Idea sharing, problem solving and listening to their experiences of the role will help me with the season ahead. I look forward to engaging with the FAI and the other SLOs for the season and welcoming them to St Colmans Park.
What will the main roles and responsibilities be for the season ahead?
My main roles and responsibilities will be engaging with supporters, local community and stakeholders to ensure everyone has an enjoyable match night at St Colmans Park. The role also acts as a point of contact with any concerns or issues the fans have to then raise them with the board. I will also be engaging with the FAI delegate and the opposition SLO to ensure the away fans are catered for and they have an enjoyable match night.
How can you be contacted by supporters?
I have a dedicated email set up which is SLO@Cobhramblers.ie. I also have an X (Previously Twitter) page @CobhramblersSLO where I can be contacted.
And on match night — where will the fans be able to find you? It’s obviously worth pointing out here again that our first 3 home games will take place in Turners Cross
You’ll find me all over St Colmans Park. I will be available through out the match night and will happily meet and greet fans and engage with supporters. As mentioned above, our first 3 home games will take place at Turners Cross. The season kicks off on Friday the 16th of February away to Treaty United. All going well, we’ll be back in St Colmans Park on Monday the 1st of April, now who isn’t excited about that?!
