Wednesday 29 October 2014 08:51, UK
Members of the Armed Forces met one of their footballing heroes at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground on Tuesday, writes Sky Sports News HQ's Ben Ransom.
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, a representative of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will each lay wreaths in the centre circle ahead of Saturday's match against Swansea at Goodison Park.
Obviously from a football perspective, it’s our opportunity to remember such a significant moment and all the people that lost their lives in conflict.
With the fixture computer once again giving Everton an away match over the traditional Remembrance weekend, the club have been given special permission to hold an additional tribute a week early.
Manager Roberto Martinez was only too happy to meet the trio – all big Everton fans – and he explained why it was important the club made the gesture on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
"It's always a very special moment in the calendar year and in the campaign," he said.
"Obviously from a football perspective, it’s our opportunity to remember such a significant moment and all the people that lost their lives in conflict."
Martinez feels his team are starting to get to grips with playing European football on top of their Premier League commitments.
A goalless draw in Lille on Thursday night was followed up by a 3-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Leighton Baines laid on another goal, setting up Samuel Eto’o, taking him another step closer to a Premier League record.
It was the England full-back’s 43rd assist, now just one behind Graeme Le Saux in the all-time list, and Martinez believes he is at the peak of his game.
"Since he came back from the World Cup, I feel he’s in the best form of his career," the Spaniard added. "The level that he’s shown in the last six to seven weeks has been phenomenal."
It will be an honour to lay the wreaths, especially at a time when the troops are withdrawing from Afghanistan.
The troops being shown around the training ground will be happy to play their part at Goodison.
Jamie Gilligan, a corporal in the RAF, said: "It will be an honour to lay the wreaths, especially at a time when the troops are withdrawing from Afghanistan."
Alongside him will be Les Ashfield, who trains Army cadets.
He travelled to Lille for last week’s Europa League match, and is looking forward to doing something he would never normally get the opportunity to do.
"It’ll be emotional as it’s been a difficult year for me," he said. "I’ve lost a couple of friends so on Saturday it’ll be a wonderful experience."
