Wolves supporter Evelyn Holden may be 90 but she blushed like a young girl when she met one of her footballing heroes as part of a bumper birthday treat.
The delighted fan was given a tour of the club’s Compton training ground where she got to meet goalkeeper Matt Murray who, at 6ft 4ins, towered over the 4ft 9in pensioner.
Evelyn, believed to be one of Wolves’ longest serving fans, said: “I’m that excited I shan’t sleep tonight. It’s been one of the best days ever.”
The former catering manager, who has been following the team for 72 years, revealed her diminutive size once threatened to come between her and watching her beloved club, as she could not see over people’s shoulders.But her brothers made her a 15ins stool to stand on so she could get a proper view of the game from her spot on the South Bank terraces.
One of Evelyn’s most vivid memories was the famous match against Honved, whose team included the legendary Hungarian captain Puskas and several international stars, in 1954. It was also one of the first floodlit games.
Evelyn, of Birmingham New Road, Bilston, also remembers watching “little” Johnny Hancocks, the tiny Wolves winger.
But she still finds plenty to admire in today’s squad.
As well as Murray, she enjoys watching striker Freddie Eastwood and is full of praise for manager Mick McCarthy whom she also met yesterday.
By Marion Brennan
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