The Red Terrace

In 2007 a small number of Portadown fans wanted to make a difference at Shamrock Park, for a number of years the place was described as many like a morgue, this small number of fans wanted to up hold the task of changing the atmosphere at Shamrock giving it a new lease of life. These small group of fans wanted to take the path of other fans through out Europe and the rest of the world on how they support their team, these fans being Ultras.

The group wanted to create an Ultra inspired group that could make an impact at Portadown games, that could create an atmosphere that could be enjoyed by Portadown fans, but at the same time be intimidating for the visiting fans. They wanted to create an atmosphere were ever Portadown may have been, to let the team know they had a support that was behind him 100 percent of the way.

It all started off in 2007 at the local Mid-Ulster derby at Mourneview Park. The group had been building it up for a number of weeks, introducing their group name (The Red Terrace) and creating general interest amongst the rest of the Portadown support. The group started off small back in 2007 with a number of flares and coloured smokes while at the same time creating an atmosphere that spurred the team to go and win the traditional Boxing day derby. The rest of that season was a difficult one for the group as Shamrock Park was in a development period, with the old terrace cow shed away and a new 2,000 seater stand in its place the group did not have an area they could call home. This however did not stop the group giving their support to their team through out the remainder of the campaign.

In 2008 the group wanted to hit the ground running with the foundations built of a group from the season past the group wanted to become that bit bigger and better. The group built up their pre-season planning playing the likes of Glentroan, Linfield, Coleraine, Ballymena Glenavon etc... How ever they were dealt a major blow when Portadown were demoted from the top tier of Irish League football for handing in their new league application late. Instead they were demoted to play the 2008-2009 season in the championship. Instead of playing the list above, Portadown would be playing the likes of Dergivew, Armagh, Loughall, Ballyclare and Ballymoney, this was a major set back for the group as all plans made had to be scraped and changed due to their relegation.

It was a slow start to the campaign for “The Red Terrace” with the new stand not being open yet we still didn't have a section we could call our own, the group how ever kicked off the season away to Larne in CIS insurance cup with a number two sticks, tifos and a group banner in place. This was the kick start the group needed and from there on in didn't look back, as the team on the pitch got stronger and stronger by the week as did the group and the rest of the Portadown faithful in the stands, every week home and away the Group were represented at games in one way or another.

The main highlight in that season for the group at that time was winning the CIS cup. Beating along the way Cliftonville, Linfield, Glentoran and eventually Newry in the final. Through out each round the group created different displays each display different from the other, this is were the group came out to shine and were starting to become a talking point amongst fans at games and after. This was at a time were the group began to be recognised by the Portadown support as a positive thinking fans group who's sole aim was to support the 11 men out on the pitch.

The group how ever didn't stop there as the season was not finished because of the winning of one trophy. The team at the time were pushing for promotion against Donegal Celtic for an automatic place into the Primer League Season for the 2009-2010 season. The group made various displays through out the run in to last game of the season were it would be decided who got promoted as Portadown had to play Donegal Celtic in the last game of the season in West Belfast in a winner takes all situation. This was the groups final piece of action for the season were the group created a large better red than dead two stick along with various smokes and tifos. When Promotion and becoming champsions was assured with an 88th minute goal from Gary McCutcheon the group revealed a chmapions banner and began to swing into part mode with the rest of the Portadown Faithful as what seemed along long way at the starte of the season was becoming a reality.

The group now are planning ahead for the new season 2009-2010 season were they are back again and are up against the cream of the crop in Irish League football.

Per Sempre Portadown.....