From the Sideline — Allan Rutherford: “The Standard Is Absolutely Underrated”

There are managers, players and referees who make Sunday amateur football happen.

Then there are the people standing outside the white lines, week after week, watching it all unfold.

Frank Sideline met one of them almost accidentally at Boclair Academy on Sunday.

It turned out Allan was worth talking to.

The father of Vale player Reece Rutherford, Allan has been around amateur football for years — first through his own involvement when he was younger and later watching his son progress through the age groups and into the amateur game.

And after all those years watching from the side, he has developed a considerable appreciation for the football being played in front of him.

“The standard has been really good and the level of coaching I have seen is absolutely underrated.”

Allan is naturally there hoping Vale and his son do well.

But what quickly becomes apparent when talking to him is that his appreciation isn’t restricted to one team.

He watches the opposition too.

“The competitive level is great in the leagues and very entertaining. Seeing these teams and talented players compete with each other is a joy.”

And Allan makes quite a comparison when describing the standard he has witnessed.

“In my opinion the only difference in watching amateur teams and football on TV is the pitches.”

It’s not intended as a statistical comparison between amateur and professional football.

It’s simply the impression of somebody who regularly stands at the side of these pitches and believes the ability on them deserves considerably more recognition.

“Some of the standard of play I have seen is great. There are some special standout players in all teams across the leagues. It’s great to see this talent.”

There’s also a slightly bittersweet element to that for Allan.

“It’s quite sad as well as these players could easily be playing in pro leagues if they had the chance.”

Ask somebody who watches football every week for a favourite match and the obvious answer might be the biggest victory.

Allan choice instead tells us something about why people become attached to amateur clubs.

Vale’s league-winning game last season immediately comes to mind.

His son wasn’t even playing.

Reece had just stepped off a plane.

Yet with Vale attempting to secure the title, he still made his way to the game for the second half — bags in hand — to support his teammates from the sideline.

On the pitch, things weren’t going to plan.

Vale trailed 1–0 at half-time and needed the victory.

Allan remembers manager Alan Skelton and his coaching staff delivering a half-time message about tightening things up and playing without fear.

Then came the response.

“The players reacted and encouraged each other on the pitch, pulled it together and scored two and finished the game 2–1 — and they won the league.”

For Allan, it demonstrated something he sees regularly in this Vale group.

“The team spirit within this group of lads is exceptional. They fight for each other every game.”

What keeps him coming back?

It isn’t only being Reece’s dad.

Allan talks enthusiastically about tactics, individual performances, set pieces, free-kicks, team goals and goalkeepers.

And importantly, he’s watching both teams.

“The games and competitiveness of football at this level is a joy to see.”

That’s perhaps something easily forgotten when amateur football is reduced to results posted online on a Sunday afternoon.

There are people standing around these pitches who aren’t merely waiting to see whether their own team wins.

They’re watching football.

Sunday gave Allan another competitive game to enjoy.

Vale eventually defeated Milngavie 2–1, although Allan felt they could have made things considerably easier for themselves.

He thought Vale created enough opportunities for the contest potentially to have been settled during the first half but lacked the final touch after doing much of the hard work.

Milngavie refused to disappear.

Allan was particularly impressed by their goalkeeper.

“He definitely kept the scoreline down, staying big for at least three one-on-ones, shutting down angles and making some great saves.”

Allan also enjoyed the midfield contest and saw a Milngavie side that continued to press after falling two goals behind.

Vale ultimately had enough to see out the 2–1 victory.

With the club now competing one division higher, Allan knows the challenge has increased.

“The standard has got higher as they have stepped up a league level. So I am relishing this upcoming season.”