Jamie Carragher - Son of Liverpool and Everyone's Favourite Player
On Saturday 4th September 2010 I had the pleasure to be amongst the 35,682 supporters who were at Anfield to pay their own tributes to one of Liverpool Football Clubs finest Servants.
Jamie who in his youth had supported Everton, moved across Stanley Park and worked his way up through the academy ranks before making his first team debut in 1997. He has from that day to this always given his all for the club and is the perfect example for all the young players to follow.
Having now been at Liverpool for 13 years, Jamie was entitled to a testimonial. This is normally a match where all the proceeds are given to the player, to ensure that he is set up for the day when the boots are finally hung up for good. Jamie though being Jamie, said in his usual down to earth manner, that all the proceeds would be going to his 23 Foundation. This is a charity set up to help the disadvantaged children of Merseyside. His target was to raise ã1 million and with a gala dinner arranged for the same evening, it was hopeful that this would be reached.
The players changed quickly and came out onto the pitch to do their warm up exercises - Jerzy of course went into the goal at the Kop end and was applauded every time he touched the ball and made his trademark moves. What I was watching though, seemed to me more important and I suspect I spotted a Liverpool player of the future. Jamies two children were on the pitch and having a kick about with the ball. His daughter, could I suspect, be part of a ladies team of the future. It was his son though, that caught my eye. I watched him for several minutes. Believe me; he already has some force behind the ball. Several of the kicks he made were fantastic - following in dad's footsteps I hope.
As the teams come out onto the pitch, led of course by captain for the day, Jamie Carragher they were greeted by a rousing rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone - for once everyone seemed to be singing and it was wonderful to hear. Things began to happen quickly and Mr Pantene himself, Luis Garcia scored the first within 89 seconds and it was a beauty. How I wish he was in the team today - he was and will always be a favourite of mine. Stevie who had come back to ensure he was there for his mate went off after ten minutes, to be replaced by Danny Murphy. The game continued at a steady pace , although to be honest Jerzy did not have a lot to do, other than mess around in his goal - Everton seemed to be unable to score - or wouldn't due to the occasion.
During the early parts of the game Michael Owen had to put up with boos from certain sections of the crowd, but these soon turned to claps and sounds of approval, when people still realised, he had it in him. He was in line to take a penalty, but after listening to the reaction of the crowd, Jamie was pushed forward and the score became 2-0.
The first half finished and lads went into the dressing room knowing that multiple changes would take place.The usual half time entertainment was cast aside to enable four of the local primary schools to take part in short games. One of these was the school that Jamie had attended. Girls and boys, all playing together - I could not tell you the scores but they left the field to rapturous applause and of course knowing that they had played on the world famous Anfield pitch.
The second half started with players such as Bad Jones, John Jo Shelvey and Paul Konchelskey now on the pitch. It was much the same as the first half with Liverpool having most of the ball. Substitutes though were now coming extremely fast and players such as Jamie Rednapp, Jason McAteer and Gary McAllister came onto the pitch. Being a testimonial Jason I suspect got away murder. He was running around with his socks down and no shin pads on. Joe Cole who was having a very good game picked up a good volley and the back of the net was soon found. The score was now 3-0 and with the crowd singing, We all need a team of Carraghers, the game continued until one of the Everton players fell to the crowd and although he did not have a Liverpool player close to him, Mark Halsey awarded a penalty.
Again the crowd went wild, and Jamie stepped up, the ball hit the back of the net and he had scored for Everton. Unfortunately, it will go down in history as yet another own goal for Liverpool's hero. Jamie was substituted and left the field to a rapturous applause. Shortly afterwards young Eccleston added a goal of his own, which made the score, Jamie 4 - Everton 1.
The game finished and with the stewards surrounding the stands, the supporters were asked to stay for a short time. Suddenly the music to the Beatles Yellow Submarine rang out and we all sang 'We all need a Team of Carraghers'. Jamie appeared and with the crowd cheering and clapping him, he clapped back. It was the perfect end to a perfect afternoon as again we all sang You'll Never Walk Alone.
There is only one thing I have to say now and that is: Jamie thank you for giving your all to Liverpool Football Club. You are a pleasure to watch, a footballer in the old fashioned mould, someone who is not afraid to tackle and accept the consequences. You are a credit to the club and I look forward to the day when I see you lead out your own team as Manager. Your involvement , Jamie with the 23Foundation is fantastic and I wish you every success in that as it moves forward.
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