My second shift for Manchester United was a midweek game against West Ham in the FA Cup. This game was a replay, after Robin van Persie scored a superb injury time equaliser in the first tie between the two sides.
So again, I headed off from the hostel to Old Trafford.
To my surprise when I arrived to get my uniform and check in, I was told that I was not working in the Red Café, but in the Stretford Suite!
I made my way to the suite, extremely excited about the game, and apprehensive about working in the Stretford Suite, after getting used to the Red Café!
When I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the suite; it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. The view of the Old Trafford pitch was absolutely incredible!
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| The view from the Stretford Suite |
Because I had not worked in the the Stretford Suite before, I was given the job of 'runner' for the night.
Before my shift started, we had to complete a number of role-play exercises, to ensure we all knew our duties and responsibilities.
As we finished, I distinctly heard someone speak in an accent extremely similar to mine! There was another person working there, from Northern Ireland! Woohoo!
Kiera was from County Derry, not far from where I go to university, and was living in Manchester.
We were chatting in the kitchen, when I spotted a number of men in very professional suits. I then spotted another man, with an extremely familiar face. Wow - it was Manchester United legend - PADDY CRERAND!
Me, being me - started to hyperventilate a little, and I plucked up the courage to speak to him.
'Are you PADDY CRERAND'? Stupid question, Mairead - of course it was him.
He replied, 'I am yes! Are you from Ireland'?
I couldn't believe I was actually speaking to a Manchester United legend, who had played with the likes of Bobby Charlton & George Best, and had been a part of the 1968 European Cup winning side.
After thirty minutes of chatting with Paddy Crerand, it was time to go back to work. What an experience though, one I will never forget.
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| Meeting Paddy Crerand |
Due to being overstaffed, I was allowed to finish early and go home (to the hostel that is). I checked out, but decided to take a chance, and see if I was able to meet any players outside the stadium after the game.
After about an hour of waiting in the freezing cold, with no coat or jacket to keep me warm, the players began to come out.
The majority of the players went straight to their cars - maybe understandable after a tough game.
However, Anderson, Shinji Kagawa and Phil Jones were happy to have a photo with me!
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| With Anderson |
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| With Shinji Kagawa |
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| With Phil Jones |
Once all the players had left, the crowd started to disperse, I decided to take another chance, and see if Sir Alex Ferguson would come out.
However, after another hour or so of waiting, the backroom staff began to come out. Mike Phelan and Albert Morgan happily posed for a photo - however Albert seemed to be a bit stunned by the flash!
And after repeatedly being told that Sir Alex Ferguson was not going to come out, I was about to go back to the hostel. And just as I turned my back, I seen a car being reversed into the Old Trafford tunnel.
I sprinted towards the tunnel and waited patiently, and the man who had previously informed me that Sir Alex Ferguson had 'already left', turned out to be his personal driver - Sneaky!
Sir Alex rolled down his window and I asked for a quick photo - 'Hurry up', he replied. No problem Sir Alex! :)
I feel very proud to have met so many personal inspirations that night, especially Sir Alex and Paddy Crerand - especially after Sir Alex announced his retirement at the end of the season.
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