Andy Milne, known as the best friend of ‘That World Cup Guy,’ has struck a fortunate deal with Hilton Hotels for his accommodation during this summer’s tournament. The arrangement came to fruition after it was disclosed by the Mirror that Andy was selling his second home to finance his journey to support England in the US. Despite having two property viewings, no offers have been made yet.
His longtime friend and former co-worker, Stuart Kenyon, a geography teacher from Northwich, Cheshire, is now traveling to each World Cup venue at no cost, thanks to Andy’s situation. Their journey began at the Hilton in Dallas, where they mingled with England supporters from all over the US, setting off on an extraordinary seven-week expedition across the nation.
Stuart, residing near Andy in Northwich, humorously remarked, “Someone has to endure this tough task. In the past, we used to lead student trips overseas before Andy’s retirement. But this experience surpasses anything we’ve encountered before. We feel incredibly fortunate.”
Reflecting on their stay, Stuart shared, “Last night, I savored a meal of steak with shrimp, and the quality of our accommodation truly enhances the experience. Following England in this manner is fantastic, although Andy is putting in a lot of effort.”
At 63, Andy has chronicled his adventures at nine World Cups in his book titled ‘That World Cup Guy,’ which he is currently promoting at the tournament. He recently hosted an ‘England Night’ event at the Seven Doors Kitchen in Dallas.
A former educator alongside Stuart at The Grange school in Cheshire, Andy is relishing the entire journey in the United States. Both he and Stuart secured £45 tickets through the official England fans’ club as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.
“I haven’t missed a World Cup since 2006,” Andy shared. “This one has been demanding so far, with Dallas venues spread out, necessitating significant fan travel. However, the stadium is spectacular, and I believe I have secured a close seat. It’s essential to savor every moment.”
Following the tournament, Andy, soon to be a grandfather, plans to visit his daughter and expectant mother Laila in Australia with his wife Achla, 63.
Should England emerge victorious, Andy intends to add new chapters to his book, capturing the pinnacle of his lifelong dedication to following the national team.
Andy gained recognition at the Qatar tournament for holding a replica of the esteemed Jules Rimet trophy while celebrating England’s 3-0 triumph over Senegal in the round of 16, a moment captured by the Mirror.
Jacob Quintana, the manager and owner of Seven Doors, commented on the England night, stating, “The World Cup has arrived at a perfect time for the US. It’s heartening to witness the camaraderie and joy when fans unite, regardless of the team they support.”
Stijn Bastiaens, Hilton’s Vice President of Marketing and Loyalty, expressed their support for Andy’s dedication to backing his team by ensuring his stay at top-notch hotels. Hilton’s collaboration with the FA and England teams underscores the significance of the fans’ role in supporting the team throughout the journey.
Furthermore, Andy will feature in Hilton’s upcoming campaign alongside renowned figures like Jordan Pickford, Ray Parlour, Jill Scott, and Morgan Rogers.
For expedient access to valued news, designate Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
—
This rewritten article maintains the original information while presenting it in a new format for improved readability and SEO optimization.
