Chelsea fanatic Adam McEvoy has been singing the blues all week after being named as the winner of ESPN’s FA Cup final mascot competition. The 10-year-old St Anne’s Primary School pupil will lead out his heroes against Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm) for English football’s showpiece occasion.
Lucky Adam from the Blacks Road was entered into the prize draw by his dad Tommy, who is a lifelong Chelsea fan.
The privileged pair fly to London on Saturday morning before being whisked off to Wembley where Adam will go into the changing room to meet the players for autographs and photographs.
Adam, whose favourite player is striker Didier Drogba, will also receive a Chelsea strip to remember the day.
The duo will then watch the action from corporate seats hoping that Roberto Di Matteo’s men can bring the famous trophy back to Stamford Bridge.
The new Wembley Stadium holds a whopping 90,000 spectators and will be packed to the rafters with Londoners and Scousers – as well as the usual large Irish contingent.
Dream
“I entered the competition and didn’t even tell Adam and then thought nothing more of it,” said roofer Tommy.
“I then got a phone call last week saying that Adam had won and it really is a dream come true for the both of us. He is really excited and can’t wait to get over and meet the players. It’s an experience he will never forget.”
In a break with tradition, the FA Cup final has been moved from its established 3pm kick-off to 5.15pm in the evening in order to attract a larger global television audience.
The later time slot means Tommy and Adam are also being put up in a top London hotel at ESPN’s expense.
Perfect day
A Chelsea win would round off the perfect day for the McEvoys, with Tommy predicting a 2-1 triumph for ‘the Pensioners’.
“I think Chelsea will win. They are on a good run of form lately and have the Champions League final to look forward to as well,” added Tommy.
“Hopefully Adam is a lucky mascot but whatever the score we will always remember the day.”
