A MAN named Danny caused a real Sturr down at the home of Westfield Football Club on Sunday.
Anfield star Danny Sturridge, who has been in lethal form for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, shook hands with the youngsters he supports through his Sturridge Football Academy.
The unlikely affiliation began before Sturridge’s move north from London and was borne from his friendship and respect for Westfield youth coach Cleveland Clarke.
Sturridge explained to the News & Mail: “I lived not too far from here when I played for Chelsea and Cleveland, the coach here who I get on with very well, was doing some work on my house.
"When he told me about Westfield I was excited to get involved and give something back – It’s important to do this type of thing for people in the community.”
The England striker, who is hoping to seal his seat on the plane to Brazil’s World Cup next summer, was also impressed with the Woking Park ground.
“The facilities here are better than I had as a kid,” he said. “Compared to what my cousins have got elsewhere the facilities here are unbelievable, I’m a bit in awe of it really and it’s a pleasure to be involved.
“I’m humbled by the experience of being involved with this group of guys and it’s very important for me to be here. I’m no different to them and I’m no bigger than them, we all do the same things and go through the same things. They’ve met me with open arms and made me feel really welcome.”
Teenagers each posed for a snap with the marksman before withdrawing to the changing rooms for a one-on-one discussion.
“It wasn’t so much words of wisdom,” said Sturridge. “I just wanted the lads to know that we’re all equal and to let them know that if they need anything to let me know.
“I’ll make sure that whatever is needed to be improved gets improved because it’s important that the players are comfortable and have everything they need to develop.” Excited club officials queued up with players’ families to welcome Sturridge before asking for signatures and snaps.
Clarke, who has patiently waited for Sturridge to make his long awaited appearance, praised the striker for his support.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Danny down today and it’s wonderful for the club as a whole.
“He gave the lads a lot of encouragement and explained that because of where he is based in Liverpool he isn’t able to get down here as much as he’d like to.
“But I keep him up to date and he wanted them to know that a lot of Premier League footballers have made it to the top through the non-league and he’ll help them achieve that if he can.”