Well, I couldn't have forgiven myself if I let the opportunity to meet them pass, so I managed to catch my friend Peter's attention, and asked him politely if he could introduce me to Roger Hunt as he was the closest to me at that moment and the others were talking amongst themselves.
Peter obliged and before I knew it, I was shaking the great mans hand. I have to say here and now that Roger Hunt was WAY before my time, i'm only twenty-four years old, but this man has won the World Cup, he's a legend and i've seen that goal he scored against Inter Milan over and over so many times I can quote the Wolstenholme commentary. He demands respect.
Hunt.....a goal.....a great goal, a great goal by Hunt!!
It must have showed that I was nervous and it felt right and courteous to say to him " It's an absolute pleasure to meet you"
Then immediately, whilst still shaking Sir Roger's hand, Peter was introducing me to Gordon Banks, who wanted to know who his mate Roger was talking to, again the pleasure was all mine. This was only the legend who is famous throughout the world for being not just the greatest goalkeeper of his generation, but possibly in documented football history.
"Cally" was just making a joke about a goal that had literally been shown on television that second (FYI David Beckham's 25 yarder against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup Semi Final) saying that "Banksy would have tipped that over the bar!!!". Brian Labone then introduced himself, finally to be greeted by Ian Callaghan.
The whole conversation only lasted a minute or two, I asked them if they were enjoying themselves, they joked about the champagne breakfast they had already eaten, the fact that Brian Labone had drank a full bottle and was set up for the day!!!
After wishing them well I went back to my business. I was slightly over-awed and shell shocked, they had been standing there listening to me about how MY day was going and i'm busy spluttering out that it was fine!!
About five minutes later, I tried to ring my girlfriend and Dad to tell them, but couldn't get through to either. Just as well, because just as I would have been shouting about how I had just met these legends, they walked right past me again.
All together in unison they said "Hello again, John", I said back "Have a good day, gents" and there was time for one last handshake from Brian Labone.
I thought about who I had just met in context to how I think of them. These old men had done it all in the game, they deserve respect, these are the men who have won World Cups, European Cups, foiled Pele, Eusebio, Beckenbauer etc... played with Bobby Moore, and although unfamiliar with Brian Labone, I understand he was an excellent centre half for Everton.
Not really the kind of people you meet every day folks and I have to say that it's a couple of minutes in my life I am unlikely to forget in a hurry.
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