Last updated 13:21, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

I’M cheered to hear two pieces of brilliant news.

Kevin Beattie

Firstly, the fact that Leeds got exactly what they deserved with the points panel verdict - nothing - but even better is that Kevin Beattie is finally getting his Cup winner’s medal after all those years.

The word ‘loyal’ is often over-used in football. There are not many players who stay loyal to one club the way the likes of Kevin did at Ipswich. The media in Cumbria often refer to the local boys who have done well in football. Well, this was the daddy of them all.

When a truly great manager like Bobby Robson calls you the best captain England never had - also the best defender he had worked with - you take notice.

I still wonder what would have happened if, when he arrived at Liverpool station for his trial, somebody had met him instead of him getting the next train home. Under Shankly the boy would have been a world-beater in such a great team.

Kevin told me when he did his book signing last year that he never was an angel, nor did he ever profess to be just a tough Carlisle boy who gave his all.

I ask all you Blue Army boys: Can you ever see Kev turn to the CUFC fans the way Paul Huntington did?

That would never happen. He loves this city and its people. Cut Kevin Beattie open and you would see ‘Botcherby’ right through the middle.

A lot of younger guys won’t remember the Beat, but just ask your dad. Let me tell you if Kev had met the likes of Ronaldo or Drogba in a 50-50 tackle they would not have had to dive. It was like being hit by a tank.

DAVID WARWICK
Gelt Road
Brampton