The Everton Forum • Re: Meeting players
My one enduring memory as a kid was getting to go to Bellefield to meet the players and watch them train. Gary Lineker had just signed a couple of weeks earlier and I remember it was absolutely pissing down. Whilst quite a few of the players were ushering the kids inside to get photos, autographs etc, Lineler was quite happy getting absolutely poss wet through, signing autographs and chatting to all of the kids that were there.
I remember being in absolute awe of every single one of the players, but Lineker just standing outside, surrounded by kids, desperate to get his autograph and meet him in person really stood out for me.
The other standout moment of the day was watching the players training and seeing big Nev playing as a winger. I remember thinking he was actually quite useful playing outfield. He scored a belter, then turned to Howard Kendall and said "Right, I've scored. Can I go home now?"
Absolutely amazing day as an 11 year old kid. I think it was something that the club offered for kids who were members of Junior Blues or something along those lines, and I was one of a number of kids who were lucky enough to get selected to go. What an experience!
As an adult, I've bumped into a number of players and ex players over the years and can honestly say I have never had a negative experience with any that I have met. They are just normal blokes and are generally pretty soind. That said, I do weigh up the situation first before approaching any of them and there have been a few occasions where I have chosen not to approach them at all. For instance, I've seen a couple out at restaurants etc. I'd never encroach on them in a situation like that where they are simply trying to enjoy a meal with family or friends. That's a private moment and I would not like it if somebody disturbed me whilst I was just trying to enjoy some family time.
I remember being in absolute awe of every single one of the players, but Lineker just standing outside, surrounded by kids, desperate to get his autograph and meet him in person really stood out for me.
The other standout moment of the day was watching the players training and seeing big Nev playing as a winger. I remember thinking he was actually quite useful playing outfield. He scored a belter, then turned to Howard Kendall and said "Right, I've scored. Can I go home now?"
Absolutely amazing day as an 11 year old kid. I think it was something that the club offered for kids who were members of Junior Blues or something along those lines, and I was one of a number of kids who were lucky enough to get selected to go. What an experience!
As an adult, I've bumped into a number of players and ex players over the years and can honestly say I have never had a negative experience with any that I have met. They are just normal blokes and are generally pretty soind. That said, I do weigh up the situation first before approaching any of them and there have been a few occasions where I have chosen not to approach them at all. For instance, I've seen a couple out at restaurants etc. I'd never encroach on them in a situation like that where they are simply trying to enjoy a meal with family or friends. That's a private moment and I would not like it if somebody disturbed me whilst I was just trying to enjoy some family time.
Statistics: Posted by 74Blue — Sun Mar 29, 2026 9:30 pm