Couple help launch England kit

8:28pm Thursday 14th February 2008

AS lifelong ardent England fans, a dream came true for a Harestock couple when they took part in the launch of the team's new away kit.

John and Sandie Derben, of Priors Dean Road, follow their national football team around the world and are actively involved in an organisation called Friendly Fans.

When a colleague there said he needed some more people to take part in the London launch of the red away strip, the couple, whose club team is Wycombe Wanderers, jumped at the chance.

Mr Derben, 70, said: "The launch was fascinating. After they spent hours getting everyone in the right place, they dropped the curtain and there were 60 cameras flashing at you."

They met stars Shaun Wright Philips, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, David Bentley and new boss, Fabio Capello.

"It was terrific, they were all such nice men, that's the thing. Sometimes the media has a habit of demonising these people because of the money they earn, but they all signed our shirts, so we have a special shirt now," added Mr Derben.

The couple, who run a charity, Brendoncare Clubs, which looks after older people across Hampshire and Dorset, were able to sport the new shirt at the friendly match against Switzerland at Wembley, before it went on sale in the shops.

Mr Derben said the 22 grandchildren that he and his wife have between them were all suitably impressed.

Mrs Derben, 65, added: "We were there for the older generation. I thought I'm going to be really cool, I've lived a life, I've been around' and as I got there, Rio Ferdinand came up to me - I was 16 again.

"It was great, it was a real buzz. It was a great experience and I felt a bit privileged that we were there."

Mrs Derben said she would be framing her signed shirt.

Now the couple plan to watch England's World Cup qualifying games in Kazakstan, Ukraine, Belarus and Croatia and also hope to make it to the tournament itself in South Africa in 2010.

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