View from the Stands: Gary 'Banger' Bryson

The Listener recently caught up with a man who is widely considered to have been one of Lisahally's most dedicated fans. However not only was he an avid fan, Gary 'Banger' Bryson is sometimes viewed as one of the 'Lost Boys' of Lisahally, because despite his undoubted ability, 'Banger' never got the chance to display his skills in a Lisahally shirt. As a result, he is often viewed as the Andy Reid to Topher Whoriskey's Giovanni Trapattoni. Speaking from the Southern Hemisphere, Bryson shares his thoughts.

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Gary Bryson before scoring the winning penalty during last year's annual 'Married Men versus Single Men' game. (Photo: Ronan Whoriskey)

Lisahally Listener: Good evening Gary, The Listener is delighted to have the opportunity to interview one of the greatest goal-scorers in Strathfoyle history. How are you?
Gary Bryson: Yeah I'm not bad, all is very well over here in Australia!

LL: Now that you are based in Australia, do you miss getting up on those cold Sunday mornings to watch your favourite local team?
GB: I never miss the cold weather back home but I do miss the games. Great entertainment provided week in week out.

LL: Have you been keeping up to date with the fortunes of Lisahally?
GB: Yeah now that I've moved to a city in Brisbane I can get online more and keep up to date with folk back home.

LL: What do you think about the change of management?
GB: I was always a big Topher fan but I was delighted when Rory decided to take the job. When he retired I said many times that he would go into management. You can ask him yourself and he will tell you. I did however recommend him for the Maydown job. [smiles cheekily]

LL: With Lisahally currently top of the league and on course for promotion, do you think they can maintain their form? If so, who do you think will be key to success?
GB: I can't really comment as I havent watched many of the games. That said, from what I've heard from Mark Duffy, he should get the Player of the Year award. Although I don't know if he is being biased but I wouldnt put Mark down for one to blow his own trumpet. [laughs]


LL: You have built up a reputation as being a deadly finisher, with many Stra-Heads dubbing you 'Van Bangelrooy', given your similarity to Ruud Van Nistelrooij. Do you ever feel that your talents were unduly overlooked by the Lisahally management?
GB: Listen, when I was younger I was always confident in terms of scoring goals. I think the problem with me not making it at Lisah' was the fact my that my overall ability was overlooked. Most Stra Heads dubbed me a 'joker' and claimed that I didnt take it seriously enough. With Topher being an old-fashioned manager too, I was never going to be considered for a callup. I think I was was judged on everything other than my goalscoring credentials, which was a pity.

LL: You famously scored the winning penalty in last year's 'Married Men versus Single Men' game and with this years' coming up, will you be making a reappearance?
GB: I'm afraid I wont be making an appearance this year. I would love to land back on a helicopter and grab the winner but that's something which I don't think will happen.

LL: Who would you consider to be Lisahally's best ever player?
GB: Lawrence 'Libby' Mullan is my favourite all time Lisah' player. I've played against him for the Single Men and he's a hard player to get past.

LL: Any final thoughts?
GB: I'd like to tell the Lisah' players to keep barking the way they have been barking and hopefully the league title is on its way. I also would like to bet anyone who believes the single men will be beaten by the married men this year cause it aint gona happen. Thank you Listener!