THE unfortunate and tragic death of Keith Newton rekindled some thoughts of happenings involving this unique and great footballer.

Many years ago, when I was about 11, I was watching the 1970 Mexico World Cup on TV with great excitement, when my Dad told me that one of the England players was Keith Newton and pointed him out to me.

My heart began to beat faster, thinking that here was a player who played for Blackburn Rovers.

Unfortunately, England were eliminated, but about two weeks later I bought a football magazine which included the England squad and, in particular, a picture of Keith Newton.

I fastened it on my bedroom wall and, for months after, checked all the newspapers on Keith's progress.

When I was 16, I was in Blackburn centre one day when I happened to pass in front of a paper shop in Sudell Cross and, to my amazement, saw Keith Newton standing at the counter.

I remember hovering around in front of the shop for about 15 minutes, waiting for it to clear. Then, I went in and asked: "Can I have your autograph, please, Mr Newton?"

He replied: "Certainly, young man - where would you like me to sign?" I immediately picked up a chocolate bar and handed it to him. He signed it on the reverse and said: "There you go."

As I walked to the door, I turned and said 'Thank you' and saw a smiling face that I will never forget.

I went on to play football in the local leagues, having a great time until a knee injury ended my footballing days, but my tribute - like that of many young lads who supported their local teams and their idols - goes to a fantastic advocate for the modern game

My idol was the great Keith Newton.

JOE MOORE, Shadsworth Close, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.