By Chris Wright [email protected]
Last Saturday 20 Portuguese and expat friends attended an emotional farewell dinner for Emily and Neil Richardson, who have taken the reluctant decision to return to the UK after many years running their removal business in the Algarve.
Emily and Neil became stalwart supporters of Primeira Liga Olhanense after joining a trip to Porto to watch the Algarve side play Boavista some five years ago. Since then they have travelled all over Portugal and Madeira following the team.
The dinner at Restaurant Sérgio, Olhão, was a celebration of the great times spent together. Central defender Mauricio accompanied by his wife and children were the surprise guests and Emily’s favourite player, goalkeeper Bruno Verissimo (now at APOEL in Cyprus), sent a goodwill message.
Chris Wright, coordinator of the Olhanense Expat Supporters Group said: “Emily and Neil were tremendous ambassadors for the club. They were an integral part of the group and Emily organised the away travel, ran the Club Shop on match days (together with Vicki Bawden) and generally assisted whenever asked.”
Earlier this year Emily received the coveted ‘Sócio do Ano’ (Supporter of the Year) award presented by the club at the annual dinner.
An engraved salver and cheque were presented to the couple. Gorilas Group organiser Ferreira produced a special cake before the guests toasted the couple’s future happiness and success.
