Airdrie's heroes
By upferthecup
October 3 2002
In a new feature former Airdrie stopper Chris Honor takes time out to talk to the Stomp about his time with the club..............
Chris started his career in 1986 as an apprentice with his local club Bristol City who he helped to promotion in 1989/90 from the old English third division to what effectively is now the Nationwide First division. Loan spells were to follow with Torquay United, Hereford United and Swansea City,Then in 1992 he moved north to join premier league new boys Airdrieonians.In his time with Airdrie Chris was part of one of the best sides in my time as an Airdrie fan, consolidating premier league football and reaching the Scottish cup final which ultimately led to the European cup winners cup. After a contract dispute with the directors Chris was forced out of football for a few years, brief spells at Cardiff, Bath City and Partick Thistle were followed by a permanent return to football with Confrence side Forest Green Rovers. Chris Captained Forest Green to the F.A Trophy final at Wembley losing 1-0 to Kingstonian.A move to Basingstoke of the Ryman premier was next on Chris's travels and he has now returned to Bath City for a second time. Chris Honor Interview Q:How did your move north to Airdrie come about ? Alex McDonald's best friend when he was a schoolboy was Jimmy Lumsden who
was Bristol Citys manager. I wasn't getting a game having helped BCFC to
promotion & he recommended me to Alex. Q:What was the highlight of your Airdrie career ? The semi final win in the 92 cup against Hearts Q:You scored a handful of goals at Airdrie doe's any one stick in your
mind ? Easy, the penalty winner against Hearts in 92. Was that a trick
question!? Q:What was your favorite ground you visited with the Diamonds ? The stadium at Sparta Prague. Just the whole experience was amazing.
There were armed guards at the hotel, on the coach & outside the dressing
room door. Then you came on to the pitch below ground level. Q:And the least favorite ? Hampden was the least because its no place to lose. I just felt hollow in
defeat against Rangers & had the whole summer worrying about it. Other than
that Dumbarton. Q:Who was the best player you played with at Airdrie ? Owen Coyle for skill & goalscoring. Walter Kidd for knowledge & Davie
Kirkwood for natural ability. Q:Your former defensive colleague Sandy Stewart is now player manager do
you
think he will do well ? Only if he doesn't bore the players to death! Sandy could always talk a
good game & was full of enthusiasm. Seriously I think he will do well. Its
great to see one of our great team now managing the club. Q:Ever thought of coaching yourself ? I would love to. I've got my coaching badges but I'm enjoying playing at
the moment & you can't turn the clock back once you go into management.
Have Airdrie ever had an English manager? Q:How are you enjoying your football just now ? Great but sometimes frustrating. I can't do the same things I used to be
able to. Q:After the way you were treated by the former board were you sad to see
the old Airdrieonians go out of business ? Yes extremely. I was a major creditor had they survived. My 6 year court
case was waiting Airdrie's outcome. Q:Any message for The Airdrie fans ? Be patient, stick behind your club & the good times will return. Many thanks to Chris for taking the time out to talk to us and our best wishes go to him and to Bath City for the rest of the season, Also thanks to Bath's club secretary Quentin Edwards for helping me get in touch with Chris.Hope you all enjoyed the little trip down memory lane.