Through playing in a testimonial football match in the late 1970s I got to know Emlyn Hughes. He recognised me as an ex-soap actor from TV, and eventually introduced me and my son Joby, then aged six, to Ray Kennedy.
One Saturday I took Joby to watch Liverpool play and they gave us tickets for the players’ lounge so that he could meet the team. I asked Joby who his favourite player was. “Ray Kennedy,” he said with his eyes lighting up. “I know him. I say goodnight to him every night on the poster on my wall.”
After the match Joby sat on the floor with a drink. I didn’t know Ray that well, but when I saw him entering with his family and friends I went over and told him the story. He asked where Joby was and said he would just see to his guests and then come over.
In no time at all, with that big smile of his, he pointed at Joby and said “Joby! Fancy seeing you here! Did you enjoy the game?”
How to make a friend for life.
