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Who ate all the pies? It wasn’t Nacho - he had the hamburgers

Volunteer Gordon Handy shares another cracking football memory of time on the terraces and how Raith Rovers star, Nacho Novo, was struggling to get a snack!

A Burger with Nacho

by Gordon Handy

Over the recent festive period, as is my norm, I tend to indulge in too much food and drink. My festive indulgence being a mixture of sweets, pastries and the odd alcoholic tipple - they all conspire against my willpower. This annual overindulgence almost always results in another New Year’s resolution: to cut back on junk food, chocolate, fizzy and alcoholic drinks and to switch to a healthier eating regime. This year no doubt will follow suit, and I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of my new health diet lasting no longer than a snowflake in July!

Half time revivers

These thoughts led me down a rabbit hole of reminiscence about my nearly 40 years of regular Saturday and mid-week football half-time fare. My nostalgic cravings of a Pillans pie at Stark’s Park are my most vivid first memories. Then, as I travelled across Scotland, I savoured the Forfar Bridie at Station Park and the Killie Pie at Rugby Park—true highlights of my stodgy half-time snacks, all washed down with steaming hot Bovril. I also recall a poke of chips from a little “hatch” at Central Park, Cowdenbeath, and one of the best soups I ever had from Glebe Park, Brechin. Chips and a sausage roll from Recreation Park, Peterhead, also made the list of my guilty pleasures.

Ross County ramp up the pressure

However, my most vivid and unforgettable half-time moment happened nearly 25 years ago at Victoria Park, Dingwall. This memorable afternoon was the third Saturday in August 2001 and my first visit to the home of Ross County, the most northerly professional football club in Scotland. The Rovers were a goal down at half-time, a situation that felt all too familiar. The season had only just begun, with a couple of draws and losses already piling up, and our new signings were still finding their feet under Peter Hetherston’s guidance. That included the likes of Simon Miotto, the Aussie goalie, George O’Boyle the Northern Irishman, Scott Crabbe the ex - Hearts player and the wild card - Nacho Novo, the tiny Spanish striker whose entrance into Scottish football was as tumultuous as it was exciting.

Nacho needs a snack

Nacho had burst onto the scene with a scoring debut against Airdrieonians and followed it up with a winner against East Fife. Yet just a week before my visit to Dingwall, he had been sent off in only his third match for the Rovers. So, it was somewhat strange to see him in his track suit on the pitch with the other substitutes during half-time. After paying for my half-time grub - a pie and Bovril - I took my place back on the old terracing, only to notice Nacho jumping the barrier and making his way towards the refreshment stall at the back of the Rovers supporters.? 

There he was, experiencing a language barrier but surrounded by curious fans who were eager to help. It quickly became apparent that his grasp of English was still in its infancy. He gestured to the crowd, clearly hungry and thirsty, seeking someone to translate his cravings. My memory might falter over the years, but I distinctly recall two of the most loyal Rovers’ faithful stepping up to assist him, especially when he brandished a £10 note like a trophy.

With a mix of laughter and banter, they informed him that he wouldn’t find any paella, tapas, or a glass of Rioja at the Highland food kiosk. I then heard him call out his order “Dos hamburguesa, por favor!”, his Spanish lacing the air like lively salsa music. Quickly, in a thick Fife accent, his order was translated into two hamburger rolls and a couple of Quenchy Cups! (The plastic cups that you stick a straw into for drinking are also not known as a Spanish refreshment). After he thanked the fans, who were now chanting “Nacho, Nacho, Nacho!” he made his way back to the empty dugout, ready to feast on his Highland fare before the teams returned for the second half.

The Rovers lost that match on that fateful day, and despite Nacho’s valiant efforts, they found themselves relegated faster than you could say “tapas”. Yet, looking back, whilst Nacho’s time at Raith Rovers marked a turning point in his career, I will never forget that defeat at Dingwall, a match where he did not play. He went on to score 20 goals that season and was eventually signed by Dundee for £100,000 before making his way to Rangers in 2004. While Nacho may have been relegated with the Rovers, he became a local hero, proving that sometimes the best moments in football come with a side of sauce and a hearty laugh!

Thank you Gordon for another great article and we look forward to the next one.