While few have done so much for Northampton Saints in the club’s 136-year history, Ella Bevan says the Barwells were incredibly humbled by the decision to give the new North Stand the family name.
Saturday afternoon marks the official opening of the Barwell Stand and Bevan – a director at the club and, of course, daughter of Keith Barwell – took time to reflect on the gesture.
“We are all very proud,” Bevan said. “We, as a family, are incredibly proud of everything he [Keith] has done, but he will always say that the supporters are the most important part of this club.
“Without them, we would be nothing and I think that is something that Leon also recognised when he started the supporter forums.
“So when the new stand was announced, to see supporters take to social media in their hundreds saying: ‘It must be called the Barwell Stand’, was very humbling.
“He [Keith] probably needed persuading of it because he is quite humble in that respect, but I think it is fitting that his name is synonymous with the supporters and that they not only called for the naming of the stand, but will now be able to benefit from this great facility for years to come.
“That is something we will always be proud of.”
You can give your thanks to the family ahead of Saturday’s game, an afternoon full of action on a truly historic day for the club. As well as the official ribbon cutting, there will be a parade of legends on the pitch pre-match, while murals will be unveiled from 20 local primary schools. There is also a special edition programme with tributes to the Barwell family from the likes of Matt Dawson, Pat Lam and Sir Ian McGeechan.
The game with London Irish then kicks off at 3pm – be a part of it by purchasing tickets HERE – less than 500 remain!
You can also listen to the full interview with Bevan, as well as previews with Jim Mallinder, Ben Foden and James Craig in this week's official podcast. CLICK HERE to download or subscribe, or search for the Saints on iTunes!
