94-year-old football fan’s wish comes true

A Sale care home resident scored big when he returned to watch his favourite football team.

Bob Allen pictured watching AltrinchamFC © Oakfield Court

Lifelong fan of Altrincham Football Club and resident at Care UK’s Oakfield Croft, 94-year-old Bob Allen, got the full VIP treatment when he visited the J Davidson Stadium to watch a game.

Bob, who was born in Sale, began supporting Altrincham FC when he was 29. He inherited his passion for the team from his Uncle Ralph, who’d lift him over the turnstiles when he was just nine years old so he could watch the game from the stands with him.

Bob made the wish to watch Altrincham FC play again on the home’s Wishing Tree, a special initiative that enables residents to revisit old hobbies or try something new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or too small.

The team at Oakfield Croft quickly got to work, partnering with Altrincham FC to organise a special surprise, inviting Bob to the match for a full VIP hospitality experience, including a three-course meal.

On the day, superfan Bob enjoyed watching the game from the hospitality stand and sharing memories of match days from the past, key players over the decades and the history of the club, while reminiscing on the days of taking his wife and daughter to games.

Bob was also presented with an Altrincham FC scarf as a souvenir of the day. © Oakfield Court

Bob said: “It was such a lovely day and what a treat! I felt like a VIP and it brought back so many memories of happy times – I loved every moment.”

Commenting on the game, Bob said: “What a match! It was a tight contest that Altrincham ended up losing, but it was very exciting and they did us proud.”

Daniel Cole, home manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “Bob is a big Altrincham FC fan, so we made it our mission to give him the opportunity to watch the team play.

“Watching the game reminded Bob of when he used to regularly attend the club’s matches. This experience brought back so many fond memories for Bob and gave him an unforgettable day.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Altrincham FC and the team here at Oakfield Croft who helped make Bob’s wish come true!”