MOST FOOTBALL FANS can only dream of playing at Anfield, yet for a select few, this ambition was realised recently.
Entitled ‘Join the Greats,’ the Carlsberg-sponsored weekend gave die-hard supporters a chance to tog out and test their skills on the hallowed turf, in conjunction with a number of other Liverpool-related activities over the course of a single weekend.
The trip began in the extraordinary surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, when a few lucky competition winners were joined by former players Phil Neal, David Johnson, Terry McDermott and Alan Kennedy — all of whom were part of the famous Reds sides of the 70s and 80s that achieved virtually everything in the game.
.
.
(Former Liverpool players Phil Neal, David Johnson, Terry McDermott and Alan Kennedy reminisce about old times)
Fans from a number of countries including Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and Australia were treated to a three-course dinner, a seemingly never-ending supply of Carlsberg and some colourful anecdotes in a Q and A session featuring the aforementioned quartet.
A mixture of frank and funny opinions were exchanged over the course of the evening — “Steven Gerrard’s a mate of mine but he’s been shite this season,” claimed one person in attendance, while another believed he was the greatest player to ever wear a Liverpool shirt.
Phil Neal humorously recalled how his Liverpool team once belted out lyrics to a Chris Rea song as if were a national anthem before a vital European Cup game that they ultimately won.
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The topic of who was better, Robbie Fowler or Luis Suarez, was debated throughout the evening. The legends were unanimous in their conviction that for all Fowler achieved, the Uruguayan superstar was the superior player. One or two fans’ faces subsequently dropped in disappointment, while others boasted triumphantly of being right all along.
The next day, despite a few sore heads from the previous night, the fans arrived at Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s potentially crucial clash with QPR.
In truth, it wasn’t the best of games. QPR’s insistence on shutting up shop and conforming to distinctly unambitious route one football ensured a less-than-pretty spectacle.
But supporters rejoiced eventually, as Steven Gerrard recovered from missing a penalty to get Liverpool out of jail for the umpteenth time in his career with a late header. The fans were consequently sent home happy in the knowledge that they had quite possibly witnessed a Liverpool legend’s last-ever goal at Anfield.
PA Wire / Press Association Images
PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
(Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring against QPR at the weekend)
Man-of-the-match Gerrard even said a few words afterwards in the supporters’ lounge, explaining that he’d ill-advisedly “changed his mind” for the penalty, before patiently posing for countless pics with fans from all over the globe.
The highlight of the trip was still to come, however. On Sunday, less than 24 hours after Liverpool’s victory over QPR, fans were given the chance to emulate their idols by scoring a goal at the Kop end.
(Irish fans pose with Steven Gerrard, after his match-winner on Saturday)
Many succeeded where Gerrard had failed as penalties were slotted away, before a daunting crossbar challenge began abysmally, perhaps on account of the many sleep-deprived players in attendance, who had valiantly stayed up to watch Mayweather-Pacquaio the night before. However, a quick coaches’ pep talk provided the necessary inspiration, as suddenly, the woodwork was being struck regularly.
More ex-Liverpool greats in Didi Hamann, Roy Evans, John Barnes and John Aldridge made their presence felt, as they watched on and gave tips to participants. Hamann even said he reckoned a few people in attendance were capable of playing at a higher level.
Anthony McArdle - 07844 334 834
Anthony McArdle - 07844 334 834
(Liverpool fans pose for a pic as they prepare to play on Anfield’s hallowed turf)
Afterwards, the four ex-players were grilled in another Q and A session. Should Sterling be sold in the summer? ‘Only if he wants to go,’ was the consensus. ‘Modern players get too much too soon and lack the personality of past players,’ was another somewhat controversial claim. ‘And did Barnesy have any funny anecdotes from his days as part of a team that were renowned for their fun-loving, partyboy antics?’ “Put it this way, some [players] were drinkers and some were shaggers,” he laughed.
And with that, the weekend was over, as the coterie of Liverpool fans prepared for the journey home to rain-soaked Dublin after a memorable few days.
It turns out Carlsberg do do weekends after all.
Liverpool was the venue for the culmination of Carlsberg’s ‘Join The Greats’ Campaign. 20 Irish fans won a VIP trip over to see Liverpool’s home game against QPR and also the once in a lifetime opportunity to #JoinTheGreats and play on the hallowed Anfield turf. Check it out on @Carlsberg on Twitter or under the hashtag #JoinTheGreats
20 Irish Liverpool fans got to realise a lifelong dream at the weekend
MOST FOOTBALL FANS can only dream of playing at Anfield, yet for a select few, this ambition was realised recently.
Entitled ‘Join the Greats,’ the Carlsberg-sponsored weekend gave die-hard supporters a chance to tog out and test their skills on the hallowed turf, in conjunction with a number of other Liverpool-related activities over the course of a single weekend.
The trip began in the extraordinary surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, when a few lucky competition winners were joined by former players Phil Neal, David Johnson, Terry McDermott and Alan Kennedy — all of whom were part of the famous Reds sides of the 70s and 80s that achieved virtually everything in the game.
(Former Liverpool players Phil Neal, David Johnson, Terry McDermott and Alan Kennedy reminisce about old times)
Fans from a number of countries including Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and Australia were treated to a three-course dinner, a seemingly never-ending supply of Carlsberg and some colourful anecdotes in a Q and A session featuring the aforementioned quartet.
A mixture of frank and funny opinions were exchanged over the course of the evening — “Steven Gerrard’s a mate of mine but he’s been shite this season,” claimed one person in attendance, while another believed he was the greatest player to ever wear a Liverpool shirt.
Phil Neal humorously recalled how his Liverpool team once belted out lyrics to a Chris Rea song as if were a national anthem before a vital European Cup game that they ultimately won.
The topic of who was better, Robbie Fowler or Luis Suarez, was debated throughout the evening. The legends were unanimous in their conviction that for all Fowler achieved, the Uruguayan superstar was the superior player. One or two fans’ faces subsequently dropped in disappointment, while others boasted triumphantly of being right all along.
The next day, despite a few sore heads from the previous night, the fans arrived at Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s potentially crucial clash with QPR.
In truth, it wasn’t the best of games. QPR’s insistence on shutting up shop and conforming to distinctly unambitious route one football ensured a less-than-pretty spectacle.
But supporters rejoiced eventually, as Steven Gerrard recovered from missing a penalty to get Liverpool out of jail for the umpteenth time in his career with a late header. The fans were consequently sent home happy in the knowledge that they had quite possibly witnessed a Liverpool legend’s last-ever goal at Anfield.
(Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring against QPR at the weekend)
Man-of-the-match Gerrard even said a few words afterwards in the supporters’ lounge, explaining that he’d ill-advisedly “changed his mind” for the penalty, before patiently posing for countless pics with fans from all over the globe.
The highlight of the trip was still to come, however. On Sunday, less than 24 hours after Liverpool’s victory over QPR, fans were given the chance to emulate their idols by scoring a goal at the Kop end.
(Irish fans pose with Steven Gerrard, after his match-winner on Saturday)
Many succeeded where Gerrard had failed as penalties were slotted away, before a daunting crossbar challenge began abysmally, perhaps on account of the many sleep-deprived players in attendance, who had valiantly stayed up to watch Mayweather-Pacquaio the night before. However, a quick coaches’ pep talk provided the necessary inspiration, as suddenly, the woodwork was being struck regularly.
More ex-Liverpool greats in Didi Hamann, Roy Evans, John Barnes and John Aldridge made their presence felt, as they watched on and gave tips to participants. Hamann even said he reckoned a few people in attendance were capable of playing at a higher level.
(Liverpool fans pose for a pic as they prepare to play on Anfield’s hallowed turf)
Afterwards, the four ex-players were grilled in another Q and A session. Should Sterling be sold in the summer? ‘Only if he wants to go,’ was the consensus. ‘Modern players get too much too soon and lack the personality of past players,’ was another somewhat controversial claim. ‘And did Barnesy have any funny anecdotes from his days as part of a team that were renowned for their fun-loving, partyboy antics?’ “Put it this way, some [players] were drinkers and some were shaggers,” he laughed.
And with that, the weekend was over, as the coterie of Liverpool fans prepared for the journey home to rain-soaked Dublin after a memorable few days.
It turns out Carlsberg do do weekends after all.
Liverpool was the venue for the culmination of Carlsberg’s ‘Join The Greats’ Campaign. 20 Irish fans won a VIP trip over to see Liverpool’s home game against QPR and also the once in a lifetime opportunity to #JoinTheGreats and play on the hallowed Anfield turf. Check it out on @Carlsberg on Twitter or under the hashtag #JoinTheGreats
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