Having just about come to terms with the derby injustice I felt able to accept an invitation to visit the director’s box at Anfield on Wednesday night for the Porto game.
I was a blue in enemy territory but I managed to keep my emotions in check, applauding mildly (but politely) at the appropriate times.
Fortified against the cold with a few pints of Guinness I took my seat, with the result carefully written on the betting slip in my pocket.
Amongst the prawn sandwich brigade and sitting in front of me was Sam Allardyce. He lived up to his moniker, as I became well acquainted with his elbows which spent the match hitting my knees. I’m not one to argue, Sam’s a big bloke.
He spent the whole match impassive and seemed immune to be impressed by the fortunes of Porto, Liverpool, Newcastle or the breaking news of Harry Redknapp’s arrest.
Obviously it wasn’t the same as being at Goodison but I have to say that the hospitality was excellent and the welcome warm. It was a great people spotting event; Sam Allardyce and Sammy Lee, Kenny Dalglish, Xabi Alonso, Tommy Smith and Queiroz from United (and Ian Beale from Eastenders with a red scarf on if you can believe it)
It’s only the second time I’ve sampled the delights of inner sanctum Anfield. The former ended in embarrassment (aged 21) when I bumped into Rick Parfit while I was fully suited and booted – I went for the smart casual look this time.
The only downside was when Gerrard’s penalty strike destroyed my prediction, leaving a tattered betting slip in its wake. I think that’s what you call a fair result.