While Manchester Titans suffered late-season heartbreak in the divisional play-off semi-final, they can take comfort knowing that they have fans from across the world as a Swiss couple made the
near-800 mile trip to watch them play.
Andy and Nadia Keller, of Schöftland, Switzerland, were in attendance as the Titans lost 18-24 to the Peterborough Saxons in an entertaining encounter at the AJ Bell stadium.
Nadia, a lawyer, had been following the Titans across social media during the last few months after finding out that there was an American football side in the area.
“As I am a Manchester City supporter, we travel to Manchester frequently,” said Keller.
WELL TRAVELLED: Nadia and husband Andy have taken in the Moto GP at Silverstone, the Wheelchair Basketball European Championship in Worcester and the England v Switzerland football match at Wembley on their England trip.
“This is why I was looking out for an American football team in Manchester.”
The match formed the basis for the trip, which saw the couple travel across England and Wales to visit various sporting events, including the Moto GP at Silverstone, the Wheelchair Basketball European Championship in Worcester and the England v Switzerland football match at Wembley.
Despite the reputation of these events, the Titans/Saxons game still proved to be centrepiece of the trip.
“We’re quite into American football,” said Nadia, an avid Miami Dolphins fan.
“Andy is the defensive co-ordinator of the Argovia Pirates, an American football side over here in Switzerland.
“I will also be joining the Pirates for the new season as part of the medical team as well as on the board.”
WAVING THE FLAG: The Kellers drove to Manchester in their car with Andy’s club Argovia Pirates’ name emblazoned on the rear window. The couple hope their team will travel to Manchester to play too.
While the Titans were odds-on favourites to progress, especially on the back of an unbeaten season up to that point, it was the Saxons that showed resilience to hold onto their lead in the closing stages.
“It was quite close,” said Nadia.
“It’s a shame the Titans didn’t make it through as only small mistakes made the difference on that day.
“They could and should have beaten the Saxons.”
According to Nadia, the Kellers made contact with the Titans’ head coach Nigel Dias at the game and discussed a potential friendly match between the Titans and Andy’s Argovia Pirates in the build-up to the new season.
Nadia said: “I’m sure our players would be thrilled to travel to Manchester or vice versa.”
HEARTBREAK: Manchester Titans missed out late on to the Saxons
Images courtesy of Nadia Keller, with thanks.
