Here is my story!
Ive met quite a fair few players including the "almost commonly met" John Barnes! But the main man is Peter Beardsley. My family were in London (Mum, Dad, Bro, Me), I wasnt very old at the time about 10 years old. Anyway, my mum spotted him, so my Dad walks up to him like he is any other bloke. Peter was with his daughter throwing a rugby ball. My Dad said "Hello Peter, My 2 lads want to meet you. You dont mind?" and Beardsley replied "no, no. Hello lads." Anyway, my Dad told him that I was a Liverpool fan and my younger brother a Newcastle fan, Beardsley's 2 former clubs. So we got chatting and he said, "Have you ever been to see Newcastle." My Dad said "No. It is impossible getting tickets." So he said, "Ok...hmmm", Peter asked if we had a pen and yes we did and my Dad gave it to him. And Peter wrote down a number. "Ok, here is my number. Anytime you want to come down, just give me a ring." We got his autograph, the usual stuff and we went off after a long chat with Peter.
My Mum and Dad presumed it was just a Newcastle ticket hotline... Turns out, it was Peter Beardsley's Private number!!! (The heart starts pumping away
). So we got back, and knowing me dad, he gives Peter a ring. I expected Peter to forget but shockingly he remembers us clearly, weeks after our London trip. (My Dad's name is Peter to), so Beardsley picked up the phone and said "Hello! Peter, How are ya?" So they got talking. My Dad came out, couldnt believe it, "Peter Beardsley's only gone and got us tickets!" So later that year we went up on the train to watch Newcastle Vs Birmingham! We didnt expect to see him, the tickets would be at the desk, we'd pay him through cheque, watch the match and go our seperate ways. However! This is the shocking part, yes even more shocking than the last part! Peter rang my Dad whilst we were on the train and gave him some News. "Peter, with your permision, Ive organised for the boys to be ball boys! Also they can meet the players and walk out onto the pitch." I WAS GOBSMACKED! Whats the catch
!!!
So we got there and he was there waiting for us! Peter took us onto the pitch, we had photos with him by the club photographer and then we went inside to get ready for the game. We were all kitted up and watched the game whilst doing our job as ball boys! After the match, we went inside and Peter got us to meet all the players! I had a chat with Alan Shearer, met Craig Bellamy, Given, the lot! IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!! So, after everyone went home, we went outside and met Peter. We thanked him sooo much and my Dad was about to pay him before the game for the tickets, but he said "No, no." Peter payed for the lot and also gave my Mum and Dad his comfy seats right next to his brother.
How awesome is that, all I can say is Peter Beardsley is one hell of a bloke and very very kind. He made me and my brother live a dream which we will NEVER forget and it didnt happen once. Peter got us to do it a second time Newcastle Vs Arsenal, in which i met Henry, Ash Cole, Pires, Ljungberg, Wenger etc. It was equally amazing.
We are still in touch with Peter to this date. A great guy gave us 2 great moments, as I said, I will treasure them forever.
Thats my story.