Rams legend Shilton gets mobbed on return visit

FOOTBALL legend Peter Shilton was mobbed by hundreds of Rams fans as he got his hands on the one domestic trophy he never won as a player.

The ex-England goalkeeper, who made 175 appearances for Derby County, was in the Market Place with the FA Cup yesterday, ahead of the Rams' tie against Birmingham City.

He met supporters, signed autographs and gave goalkeeping tips as fans tried to save shots between inflatable goalposts.

Shilton, 60, said: "It's been great fun meeting people today. I love interacting with football fans and we've had hundreds of them down here, from youngsters to old men and women who remember me from my playing days.

"I played at Derby County for five years – it's always nice to come back and see a few familiar faces."

Shilton also played for Nottingham Forest and made more than 1,000 league appearances in his career, as well as becoming the most capped England player.

He appeared 125 times for his country – although David Beckham is creeping closer.

His trip was part of series of appearances in cities across the UK organised by FA Cup sponsors E.on.

Fans were able to have their picture taken with the trophy and play table football.

Derby College student Mark Roskell, 17, of Long Eaton, had a go at the goalkeeping challenge under the watchful eye of Shilton. He saved four shots out of six.

The teenager said: "You can't get any better than meeting Peter Shilton – he's an idol. My uncle talks about him all the time and I've seen lots of video clips of him."

His friend, Hannah Heathfield, 16, of Melbourne, was less impressive and only managed one save, admitting that she was "very nervous".

Also in Market Place was Joanne O'Gara, of Friar Gate, with her son, Max, eight.

Fortunately for Max, who celebrated his birthday yesterday too, he had a day off school so he was able to go down and have his photograph taken with the famous trophy.

He said: "It's pretty cool. I'd like to be a footballer when I'm older, but I'm not very good at it."

Shilton, who appeared at three different World Cups, also backed manager Nigel Clough to do well at Derby, as long as he is given the time by the board and the fans.

And he said that the Rams could pull off an FA Cup surprise by beating Birmingham City in the fifth round, despite City being one of the Premier League's form clubs.