Hi, some of you may know me from ESCLA as I am Social Secretary with the organisation. I am also involved with the Association of Provincial Football Supporters Clubs in London (APFSCIL) which is the Umbrella organisation for ESCLA along with 40 or so other supporters groups down here in the smoke.

Last month we voted on our Supporters of the year and Everton‘s own Speedo Mick was the choice. He was voted in by a unanimous vote of which I am very proud. Being a member of ESCLA himself, Michael — or Speedo as we all know him by — has worked tirelessly for charity walking around in, as he says “me undies”, and helping to raises over £60k.

The presentation was made at The Horseshoe in Clerkenwell during the APFSCIL Monthly meeting. Barrow managed to win first place in the Newsletter of the year award in which ESCLA had also entered. Operation steal a Barrow Newsletter and see how we can improve is currently in operation.

Many APFSCIL members in the room during the presentation knew not only of Speedo, but had indeed met him at the match somewhere which I found so bizarre. Burnley fans, Sunderland fans and a Man City rep chatted to him at length. Even an Exeter supporter had a long chat with him about when he had bumped into him at the BBC during one of the cup draws (early cup draws of course) during last season. This all made me proud to be an Evertonian.

This is more than football isn't it? A good lad who gives so much for others. I was extremely pleased to find out he had won the award and looking at his face light up when he lifted his trophy, I could see it meant much more to him. I am sure you will see him at the grounds as the season draws to its close, when you see him, pat him on the back and say well done. A true blue with a heart of gold.