24 May 2013

by Ong Jiing Yih

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Tanjong Pagar United always seem to be in the lead when it comes to innovative ways to connect with their supporters.

From shirt polls and design competitions to one of the most interactive and up-to-date official club facebook pages, the Jaguars now have another first.

“Up Close” is a mini-event designed to encourage rapport and interaction between coaches, players and supporters.

In the first of series, Patrick Vallee the head coach, his compatriot Aurelien Herisson the goalkeeper, and Club captain Hafiz Osman were all present to provide some insight into one of Singapore most iconic clubs.

A short tour of the “state-of-the-art” facility, according to the skipper himself, kickstarted the evening, whether supporters got a glimpse of who sits where, and what goes on in the dressing room before, during and after matches.

Remember, what goes on inside stays in there.

Following that, supporters took the most of a rare opportunity to fire off and pose questions to the trio.

Head coach Vallee shared his insights with regards to details of match preparation, player dynamics, his objectives and aspirations amongst several topics.

Later on, Hafiz talked in length about his career and number of positions he has played in as well as the lasting memory of playing and scoring against Kashima Antlers in 2009.

Herisson also took the opportunity to talk about how it feels like to play and train as a goalkeeper, and the remarkable feat of coming to within a shot – off the crossbar – and two minutes to the end of extra time, from making it to the French Cup Final, where his then AFC Compiegne side, led by Vallee, bowed out in the competition to Lille Metropole OSC.

All in all a fun, engaging and jovial session.

On the record, the Club would like to place its utmost appreciation and thanks to the supporters who were present on Friday evening.