Injured player Tom Bender has spoken of his disappointment at getting knocked out during a game last week – because it meant he missed his chance to impress secret Stanley fan Steven Gerrard.
England midfielder Gerrard has been a Crown Ground regular over recent years and was at last week’s game to cheer on his Merseyside pals who play for the Reds – including goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin.
Ironically, it was Dunbavin’s accidental collision with Bender that led to the game being abandoned after the defender was treated on the pitch for 30 minutes for a suspected head injury.
Bender was recovering at home this week – but revealed he has been warned to take time over his recovery as another knock to the same spot on his head could kill him. But Tom, 18, said he was gutted at missing the chance to impress Liverpool star Gerrard.
He said: "I am a bit disappointed I didn’t put on more of a show for him."
Tom joked: "He hasn’t got enough money so I might buy him a ticket for my first game back."
Supporter Carl Steen of Rishton has been attending matches for the last few years with his partner and two children.
He said it was great seeing Gerrard turn out to support the Accrington Reds. He said: "I think the youngsters get quite excited when they see Steven Gerrard.
"I’m from Liverpool originally and my parents attend matches at Anfield so of course it’s nice to see him. Accrington Stanley is very well known and having someone like Gerrard at matches can give the club a boost when it is going through a rough period."
Gerrard recently returned to action after six months on the sidelines with a groin injury.
Accrington lost the replayed game 1-0 on Wednesday.
