Special cup final honour for Peterhead fan
81-year-old Blue Toon stalwart Norman Crighton is being honoured for his decades of service with a unique Cup Final experience
He is a well-known and much loved character among countless football fans having helped out his beloved Peterhead FC for more than 30 years.
Now 81-year-old Blue Toon stalwart Norman Crighton is being honoured for his decades of service with a unique Cup Final experience – leading out his team at the Petrofac Training Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park tomorrow.
In what is sure to be his proudest footballing moment, long-time supporter Norman will join manager Jim McInally in leading the team onto the pitch following a personal request from the Peterhead boss.
The former joiner, who is affectionately known by his nickname ‘Bomber,’ has been helping out the League One club since the early 1980s when the side played in the Highland League. His most recent role has been working behind the bar in the boardroom every match day along with his wife Sheila.
Norman never dreamt that Peterhead would ever be in a national cup final and is tremendously honoured to be playing an important part in the big day. He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that Jim had asked that I help lead out the team. I honestly thought that he was kidding me.
“When the news sank in, I began to feel a bit anxious about it but I know that Jim will be by my side as we lead out our team. I think he is the best manager that this club has ever had and he’s brought on the players in such a positive way that now we’re in our first ever national cup final.”
Peterhead general manager, Nat Porter, believes that Norman’s own brand of warm highland hospitality, developed during the club’s years in the Highland League, is what makes him so popular amongst both home fans and away supporters.
Nat said: “Norman is at the very heart and soul of Peterhead Football Club and is known by thousands of fans and visitors to Balmoor. He does so much for the club out of the kindness of his own heart and we can think of no greater way of honouring all that he has done throughout the years.
“Everyone who has met Norman holds him in high esteem and that includes members of opposing teams and their supporters. He is thoughtful and kind to everyone who comes through the doors of the stadium and that’s what makes him such a well-loved character.”
Norman will be taking his seat at Scotland’s national stadium along with a large travelling supporters’ contingent. The Petrofac Training Cup final is set to be the biggest match in the Balmoor side’s 125-year history.