An Evertonian who broke his leg celebrating the late winner against Newcastle United last month has had a day to remember after his beloved Toffees enabled him to attend Saturday's 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Season ticket holder Alan Harkness suffered a fracture after Alex Iwobi scored a 99th-minute goal against the Toon Army on March 17, taking the gloss off the victory for the 69-year-old lifelong Blues supporter.
But when he contacted the club to see if it was possible to move his seat to a different area to allow him to attend the crunch clash, Everton were only too happy to oblige and went above and beyond to ensure Mr Harkness had the best possible experience.
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Alan's son, Peter Harkness, told the ECHO: "My dad sits in the Lower Gwladys Street just behind the goal on an end seat and has been watching Everton for 56 years! When the Iwobi goal went in it was absolute carnage and everyone behind us fell forward knocking my dad forward and people falling into him. He knew straight away he’d hurt himself and really struggled to walk from his seat back to his car after the game. He was in agony the following morning and we took him for an X-ray which confirmed a fracture of the leg."
Mr Harkness, from Runcorn, attends games at Goodison with Peter and his two other sons, Graham and Philip. But when the family contacted the club to see what could be done to assist their dad, they were more than impressed with how valued they made him feel.
Peter said: "We contacted the club to see if there was any chance of moving his season ticket to a more accessible area for today’s game to give him more leg room and reduce the risk of him getting it knocked. The club have been first class! They made a parking space available in the Gwladys Street school car park and arranged for a pitchside photograph with Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin prior to the game. He was really pleased with where his seat was in the Gwladys Street for the game and obviously the three points have certainly topped the day off!"
Mr Harkness' presence appears to be a lucky omen for Everton, securing their first win since the Newcastle match he broke his leg at. When the ECHO asked how he celebrated Anthony Gordon's winning goal this time around, Peter said: "He celebrated with his crutches in the air, without the worry of being ambushed!"
