It’s a special event when one of the longest serving players has called it time in his career at a club who has shown him loyalty. He will always be a big part of the history of the club, joining when the club was in non-league and taking them back to the championship.
Club legend is not thrown around too often, but Ibou Touray is a true legend of Salford City FC.
Players, management and family all got together to celebrate Ibou time at the club with a meal at Hotel Football. The players, especially captain Elliott Watts put together a “this is your life Salford” for him, lots of jokes and stories.
Managers past and present, myself, Gary Bowyer, Richie Wellens and Graham Alexander presented Ibou with a trophy just for him for being with Salford from 2017 until 2029. And the next day he would play his last game for the club against fiorentina.
Normally I will be doing a pre-match press conference, saying it’s a chance to show if my management style can go up against an Italian giant, but today isn’t about the team or me, it’s about Ibou. Yes we have some trailest to bring in which is a great chance for them but it’s about the day and the send off Ibou gets.
7000 fans turned out to see this special event to give Salfords record appearance maker the send off he deserves. Former players Natey, Watson and Mallan all turned out for this team, and they all stood in a guard of honour just for him, captain for the day.
The game itself was entertaining as it finished 2-2 with Ibou setting up the 2nd goal for new signing Rudoni to score.
After 395 games for Salford it was a fitting way to end his time here, he wasn’t known for his goal scoring 13 times in 12 years. The fans all stood and clapped as he went around the ground. He will be a hard man to replace but he is always welcome back to the club.
What a day for the lad. 👌
LikeLiked by 1 person