Why Zamora coming back is more than just Football

[Finchley Seagull]

Perhaps we are a bunch of sentimental old fools. After all, history generally suggests that the old adage of “never go back” generally registers as a truth. But there is more than just remembering the good times and ignoring the reality in the case of Bobby Zamora.

Indeed, there is more than just football.

Bobby is an iconographical figure in Brighton folklore. He was the first player that brought real hope after almost a decade of protests, riots, groundshares and, quite frankly, awful football. Spearheading Micky Adams’ confident side, his goals and general all round attitude helped usher in one of the greatest love in’s in the club’s history. Back in Brighton, Skint and scoring.

We all knew he wasn’t long for us. His star was always due to shine in the Premier League (to an extent). His side were formed of the promised few; those who were tempted to the club with the carrot of a new stadium and a platform to shine. A stage that turned out not to be set for 11 years. And so Bobby, 83 goals inked into our memories, left. He would never grace the new stadium in Brighton shirt, because we never even knew if we were ever to have one. He was the first, others were to follow - all rightfully trying to find their way to their zenith. But none really matched the success of Bob (Leon Knight, anybody?). Did we mind? Not really, when you love someone, you want them to do what’s best for themselves.*

The arrival of Tony Bloom changed the club dramatically. The empty promises were to become reality, and whilst we were and still are subject to our best players being tempted by a bigger pay cheque or a bigger league, at least we had a fighting chance of keeping our best for a bit longer. Hell, we can even attract Champions League standard players to ply their trade here.

But for those who lived through the dark days, and those who lived through Micky’s revolution, there was always the hope that at least some of those players could run out at the new stadium, leading tens of thousands of Albion fans in a chorus. Especially Zamora.

As the years passed, that hope turned more and more into a pipe dream. The stadium, when it came was fabulous, but it came in 2011, not in 2005. We were just happy to have a proper home. To have a competitive team with a bit of flair was a huge cherry on the top. New players, living out our fantasises.

And then when Gus went, it started to fall apart. Whilst Oscar took the Albion to a play off spot the next season, the wheels were already falling off. Star players, Gus’ players, wanted out. Money concerns meant that some of their replacements were less than adequate, and the remaining good players got injured or, as is what happens in any workplace or group of people, fell into a group negative mentality.

But all the while he was still playing, the Zamora return to Brighton pipe dream continued to burn on North Stand Chat, and then Twitter and Facebook as they developed. With each passing transfer window, it would become the norm to while away the midnight hours talking about 'Our Bob’ holding up a striped shirt, smiling away - etching our fantasies into a professional photograph and a press release. Even those who had never seen him play for the Seagulls would get excited because they were told He was the celebrated one, He was the one that gave us hope, He helped transform the club.

Last night that dream became a reality, and the majority of Sussex lost their shit. The return of Bobby made the national papers and trended on Twitter. The Club’s slightly questionable Vine video had it’s desired effect, making a worldwide impact, NBC rana an article about all of us losing our shit and the reaction to the 6 seconds of Bobby The Terminator. It was patronising. Even those annoying social media graduates working at the betting companies were casting their aspersions as fact on the situation - a sign that the story is popular indeed.

Critics and cynics will highlight his age, and the fact that despite a just over 1 in 4 goal average through his career, around half of those came in his formative 3 years in an Albion shirt, in lower divisions. They’ll note his own words that he hasn’t had a pre season and has already put out the classic caveat of needing to get a few minutes under his belt.

They would be correct to do so. Deep down we all know that he’s not going to live up to the Bobby Zamora of the early 2000’s. But as his performances for QPR over the last few years have shown, he’s still a very good quality top division player, is a positive influence on the dressing room and chips in with crucial (and sometimes spectacular) goals.

And even if his impact is more minimal than that, as is perfectly likely, it doesn’t matter. Because late last night, the phones and inboxes of thousands of Brighton fans lit up and vibrated with the news of his return. For many, it was the realisation of a dream they had thought never would have actually happened. Brighton have a home of their own, and Bobby gets to play in it, as an Albion player.

It is more than just football.



* I don’t actually love Bobby Zamora. Although I did once serve him and Michel Kuipers lunch at the players canteen at the Uni once. I guess that’s close enough.

Sums it up perfectly. Can't wait to see the reception he gets on Friday. Even if he's not in the 18, I assume he'll be around.

 

[Gwylan]

Ha, I'm on the wrong shift this week. I'm one of those annoying people who sends out tweets for those betting sites. I'd loved to have been on last night but I'm doing this evening instead. Perhaps we can pull out another big signing for tonight

 

[Kuipers Supporters Club]

No idea what BZ thread to post on, but Colunga 7 shirts aren't on sale from the club. To me that means LuaLua moving to 7, and Bobby taking 25.

 

[Bozza]

No idea what BZ thread to post on, but Colunga 7 shirts aren't on sale from the club. To me that means LuaLua moving to 7, and Bobby taking 25.

As sort of predicted when I tapped this up late last night: https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/content.php?515-25-is-the-magic-number

 

[Kuipers Supporters Club]

As sort of predicted when I tapped this up late last night: https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/content.php?515-25-is-the-magic-number

You are too good to us Bozza. See you Friday!

 

[Munkfish]

That last line ****ing hell, the last few sentences are exactly it.

For many, it was the realisation of a dream they had thought never would have actually happened. Brighton have a home of their own, and Bobby gets to play in it, as an Albion player.

I just wanted to see Bobby play at the AMEX even if it was against us, Ive always wanted it to happen, just to say look Bobby we have done it, we built it and thanks for everything. Now we get a whole ****ing season of the legend.

I hope he bags a few goals because his goals really sparked a passion for me as teenager remembering those moments, I hope we have at least one more, the crowd reaction will be something special.

 

[Jock McSeagull]

Great post!

 

[Raphael Meade]

So, so spot on! Sums it up perfectly. It IS more than just football.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Part of me wishes I hadn't read this thread. I lost my shit last night, and it is still gone. I'm typing while listening to my beloved VNV Nation, sipping a glass of red and, erm, blubbing slightly. Well, I am Brighton born and bred . . . As someone said, this is what its all about. There has been a lot of griping in the last few years; Barber, the cost of pies, the loanees, the weak signings, the playoff disappointments, soppy Sammi . . . suddenly the clouds have broken and there is light. Yes we know that Bobby isn't the messiah, but he's better than a very naughty boy. Best regards to everyone. See you Friday, Darren. My little bro agreed to a night out before the news. He's a 'dirty' fan, but as a local, with a sense of occasion, even he'll be moved by these events

 

[portslade seagull]

Sums it up perfectly. Can't wait to see the reception he gets on Friday. Even if he's not in the 18, I assume he'll be around.

Think he will make the subs bench

 

[jimhigham]

...while listening to my beloved VNV Nation

Somebody else? See you at the next gig Mr. Tackle

 

[Lush]

He never looked right in any other shirt.

Great post OP

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Somebody else? See you at the next gig Mr. Tackle

Seriously yes! "Give me your hands"! (yes, listening to Darkangel right now)

I went to 3 of the last 4 in London (last 7 years roughly). Ronan is the musical equivalent of the spirit of Brighton and Hove Albion. I'm in a mood for total war!

Take it easy

 

[Doc Lynam]

You can say like about whether you think he will be a success or not, but what you can't deny is this comparatively young man has built a career the hard way; from the lower leagues up culminating in reaching the highest level.
In a world where talk is cheap especially in football, from a young man saying he would like to come back someday, he has been as good as his word. Football is littered with players who've made statements about their desire to return to their favourite club only for it never to happened because the timing wasn't right or the moon wasn't in the right place! Supporters would be forgiven these days for paying a certain amount of lip service to such statements, but not this time.
In an industry where character and your word seem to be short abundance it appears our Bobby has both!

 

[Prince Monolulu]

You can say like about whether you think he will be a success or not, but what you can't deny is this comparatively young man has built a career the hard way; from the lower leagues up culminating in reaching the highest level.
In a world where talk is cheap especially in football, from a young man saying he would like to come back someday, he has been as good as his word. Football is littered with players who've made statements about their desire to return to their favourite club only for it never to happened because the timing wasn't right or the moon wasn't in the right place! Supporters would be forgiven these days for paying a certain amount of lip service to such statements, but not this time.
In an industry where character and your word seem to be short abundance it appears our Bobby has both!

...and all for a tenner a week. Bargain.

 

[jimhigham]

I went to 3 of the last 4 in London (last 7 years roughly). Ronan is the musical equivalent of the spirit of Brighton and Hove Albion

We've been to the same gigs

Scala, Purple Turtle, Koko, O2 Islington...

 

[TheCollectorMusic]

Fantastic post, I've read it a couple of times both times I wish I had written it.

 

[Hugo Rune]

Great post - sign him up for articles [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION]! Hughton has to have him on the bench as a minimum! Can't wait till Friday! My favourite all time player in the stripes at the Amex - what more could I possibly want in life?

 

[Prince Monolulu]

Great post - sign him up for articles [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION]! Hughton has to have him on the bench as a minimum! Can't wait till Friday! My favourite all time player in the stripes at the Amex - what more could I possibly want in life?

Lawro and Wardy getting 5 mins too?

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Fantastic post, I've read it a couple of times both times I wish I had written it.

You'd have written a better chorus.