Liverpool Echo

Marine's oldest living player can't wait for FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool Echo logo Liverpool Echo 9/01/2021 09:00:00 Joe Rimmer
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Marine will attract a viewership far beyond anything they are used to when they take on Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday evening.

The Crosby club host Jose Mourinho's men in the third round of the FA Cup and while the Marine Travel Arena will sadly be without fans, the tie is expected to attract a huge audience on TV.

And one man watching closely will be Marine's oldest living player, Bernard Harrison.

Bernard, 94, played at centre-half for the Mariners in the 1950s still lives locally and was recently a guest of honour at the club's 125-year celebrations in 2019.

With restrictions stopping fans from attending the game, family members have purchased Bernard a matchday programme and commemorative scarf for the occasion so he can cheer on his old club from home.

Described by the club as a 'classy centre-half', Bernard, who turns 95 at the end of January, moved from Bootle to Marine in the 1950s, where he went on to captain the club.

Bernard, who also played at both Anfield and Goodison Park as a schoolboy, watched from home as Marine dumped out Havant and Waterlooville in the dying moments of extra-time in the second round to set up a showdown with Mourinho's side.

Family member Stephen Baker, whose wife Carole is Bernard's niece, told the ECHO: "Sport is his life.

"He has Sky Sports and he's always watching football, golf and recently the darts.

"He's always talking about Marine and was telling us about watching the previous match.

"They had him as guest of honour at one of their dinners for the 125-year celebrations and he enjoyed it. They made a real fuss of him and he spoke with the chairman.

"He's so passionate about his football and we always hear about Marine.

"He could have gone professional but in those days it was better to have a job because there wasn't as much money in the game.

"He's was so excited when he saw the draw and couldn;t believe it. He can't wait for the march.

"He'll be watching the match alone but I'm sure he'll be on the phone to my wife to speak about it afterwards because he always phones to talk about the football."

Bernard's niece, Carole, will be cheering on her uncle's old team come Sunday tea-time but admitted her family has mixed loyalties about the match.

She said: "Although we now live in the West Country, as a Liverpudlian and a red supporter, I will be cheering on Marine on Sunday.

"Steve and my sons are all Spurs supporters!! However because of my Uncle they have mixed feelings and said they don't mind Marine scoring the odd goal!"

samedi 9 janvier 2021 11:00:00 Categories: Liverpool Echo

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