Player thought Rafa call was a wind-up

WHEN a man with a Spanish accent called a Dunmanway soccer player to discuss a forthcoming match with Liverpool, the recipient thought it was a wind-up.

David Hall got a call from a man claiming to be Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez.

“I thought I was being wound up and that it was somebody else who was trying to catch me out,” Mr Hall said.

But it soon dawned on him that the man on the end of the phone was actually one of the world’s best known soccer managers.

It was Mr Hall’s idea to call Liverpool and see if they fancied a game in west Cork.

To the amazement of his team colleagues, the Merseysiders said yes and named August 6 as the date.

The deal was conducted with club officials and then Benitez started calling and has done so a couple of times in the past few days.

“He is a very methodical man by the sound of things.

“He wants to ensure that all i’s are dotted and t’s crossed,” Mr Hall added.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive, John Delaney, has said his organisation is only too willing to assist Dunmanway Town XI with its preparations for a David v Goliath encounter.

“We are delighted to be able to assist Dunmanway Town in a very important day for the West Cork League side when they face Liverpool FC at the Mary Immaculata Community College in Dunmanway,” he said.

“FAI staff have been liaising closely with members of the club, providing assistance in the areas of facilities, security, ticketing and communications to help prepare for the big day.”

FAI staff have also been involved in advising the club on the facilities for the game, particularly the construction of the temporary stands at Mary Immaculata Community College, which will hold 6,800 spectators for the game, although the €100,000 required for temporary stands will be paid for by the club from revenue raised from the match.

Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner has announced that it is to be media sponsor for the event.

Tickets for the clash will go on sale tomorrow at 9am at five outlets.

There are expected to be lengthy queues, especially at SuperValu Dunmanway and Welch Sports on Maylor Street, Cork city.

Tickets will be priced at €40 for adults and €20 for children under 16 and pensioners.

Dunmanway club manager, John Buckley, said there was no facility to purchase tickets online or book in advance.