Eamonn Holmes has shared his experience of meeting childhood football heroes, describing it as “an amazing thing” to now be able to call them friends.
The GB News star recalled his excitement at meeting Celtic legend Jimmy Johnson, whom he had idolised as a schoolboy.
Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs agreed and said he was “star struck” when he met his own childhood heroes, before opening up on the emotional journey of playing for his boyhood club, describing it as “the best feeling I’ve ever had.”
Stubbs joined the Toffees in 2001 after spells at Bolton and Celtic but had supported the team since he was a child.
Eamonn said: “I remember meeting Jimmy Johnson, Celtic legend. Just an amazing footballer, a very funny man.
“At school I had a Jimmy Johnson keyring and he had a football on his foot.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
‘Hell in a handcart!’ Eamonn Holmes calls for ‘fracking’ to boost economy: ‘Stop taking money, start making it!WATCH: Eamonn Holmes calls for ‘fracking’ to boost UK economyEamonn Holmes delights fans as he shares new update from sun-soaked break away from GBN Breakfast
“I’ve enjoyed meeting people over the years. I remember being at a golf tournament once again, then getting my picture taken with Ron Robson.
“Now I could pick up the phone and speak to him. It’s an amazing thing. I have been Dennis Law’s taxi driver as well it is just unbelievable.”
Discussing his experience playing for his boyhood club, Stubbs said: “It doesn’t get any better if I’m being honest.”
Stubbs particularly cherished captaining the team in the Merseyside derby, calling it “something that lives with you for the rest of your life”.
The 53-year-old added: “My hero’s growing up were Graeme Sharp and Peter Reith.
“As a 17 year old, I managed to play against games in a in a under 21 game at Everton when he was coming back from injury.
“It was one of them where you rubbing shoulders with a hero that you’ve supported on the terraces and next minute you’re with them on a football pitch. It was surreal.
” I’ve got to be honest, I was star struck, I am lucky enough that I am in the industry where we do meet our heroes.
“Whichever profession we’re in no matter how old you are or how young you are, you do get star struck.”
In a heartfelt moment, Stubbs also said: “You go back to being ten years of age as well”
