Win, lose or draw, they are there. They are the ones who lead the songs and cheer for their team regardless of the outcome on the pitch. They are the supporters for the New York Red Bulls and as long as they’re breathing, they’ll continue to back their club.
Garry Redman has been a supporter of the New York soccer franchise since its inception in 1996. Mr. Redman approached the Red Bulls with an idea to help embrace the history of the supporters and celebrate its commitment to the club as the team enters its 20th season.
The following is an excerpt from Garry's letter to Red Bulls' Head of Commercial Operations, Marc de Grandpre:
"The attached art work is a flag I designed with the help of some of our fellow supporters. The flag is a simple one that will best represent the fan base, not necessarily the club. I wanted to keep the design profound, recognizable to only us supporters, but simple enough to replicate on caps, shirts, etc. In short, something to rally behind both as a player and supporter alike.
The star, which indicates the fan base sits in the middle of a triangle, since the club represents the tristate area, not just New York City. Eleven red and black stripes are for the players that are the basis of the rabid support from the Red Bull faithful. Finally, the words "As long as we're breathing ... " is borrowed from one of the signature songs that are sung from the South Ward, along with the year the tradition (and the club) was born."
The New York Red Bulls communications department spoke with Mr. Redman about his time as a supporter, and his inspiration behind the "As long as we're breathing..." banner concept:
What is your history with the club?
I've been a fan since the beginning (1996) when the team was known as the MetroStars. I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1999. With the exception of one game (vs. Los Angeles) I have attended every game at Red Bull Arena.
Can you describe the creative elements that are incorporated in the flag; and the inspiration behind them?
I basically wanted to design something that was simple, yet profound. Something that was instantly recognizable by our long-time supporters. The black triangle represents the Tri-State NYC area. The eleven black and red stripes are for the players on the pitch. The star represents the fans that have remained loyal then, now and forever. And finally, the title of the song, “As Long as we’re breathing…” was a phrase that just fit. My inspiration for the flag came from FC Barcelona and how they incorporate the Cataluña flag in their badge, on their kits and on the captain’s armband itself.
The theme of the flag is a simple one, one that describes the fanbase in a nutshell... We are Many. We are One. We are Metro.
What is your most memorable moment as a Metros/Red Bulls supporter?
My most memorable moment was what I consider my “greatest day as a Metros/Red Bull supporter”. I was chosen to deliver the match game ball during Fan Appreciation Day last season. While I was doing that, I made a small tribute to the South Ward as a personal thank you for all they do for the team. This was the very game where we won our first trophy in team’s history vs. Chicago. Now, other than winning the MLS Cup, that will always be my most memorable moment as a supporter.
What compelled you to write this letter?
The letter, just like the flag was from the heart. I fell in love with this team and its fan base since the beginning. What I wanted to do was give something back. I wanted to give in my humble opinion, the most loyal, rabid and demanding supporters in MLS back their identity. This flag represents all the folks that come to the matches, win, lose, rain or shine. The ones that create TIFO on their own time. Travel to every road game near and far to support the team no matter WHERE they play. This flag was for them as recognition for their efforts on and off the pitch. To be honest, I never thought my proposal would be even noticed. The flag was going to be created and then given to the supporters in the South Ward. But then came the e-mail from Marc de Grandpre, and the rest as you know, is history.
In honor of supporters like Mr. Redman, who make soccer at Red Bull Arena what it is today, the club embraced the idea of the banner. The banner also now hangs from the rafters of Red Bull Arena. The banner represents the fan base as a whole and it’s saying, “As long as we’re breathing,” embodies their never-say-die attitude.
