Ollie Watkins makes kind gesture to fan who was hit with his shot pre-match against Blackpool
Young City fan Jordan Burston was caught unaware at the Grecians match against Blackpool earlier this month, as a wayward Ollie Watkins strike during the warm-up flew into the Big Bank and knocked him off his feet.The moment was witnessed by City groundsman Kenneth Saunders, also known as the Colonel, who showed great concern for Jordan, and in turn informed Ollie what had happened.
To Jordan’s surprise Ollie beckoned for him to come down to pitch side where he expressed his concern, and promised Jordan a pair of signed boots.
Speaking about the incident, Ollie said: “Jordan was a little red-faced and dazed when I spoke to him. I wanted to make a small gesture that would try and cheer him up, as I felt bad for him. I’d hit the ball hard and there just wasn’t enough time for him to get out of the way.”
Jordan’s dad Terry Burston said: “Jordan came back with a beaming smile to compliment his red cheek, and we spent a very enjoyable afternoon watching City fight back to a well-deserved point.”
Ollie kept his promise, and before Saturday’s match against Accrington Stanley he presented Jordan with a pair of his match-warn boots from last season.
Jordan, 15, said: “I felt a little star-struck meeting Ollie, it is definitely the highlight of my year, and the red cheek was worth it!
“My friends are jealous that I got to meet Ollie, and want to come over and see the boots.”
Speaking about the response from the club, Terry said: “I was so impressed by the reaction of Kenneth and Ollie at the time of the incident. Jordan was delighted that Ollie kept his promise, and arranged to meet him again on Saturday.
“Jordan has been on cloud nine since Saturday, and can’t wait for Tuesday’s match against Cheltenham Town. This just goes to show that Exeter City is no ordinary football club."
Jordan is no stranger to Exeter City, having undertaken a week’s work experience with the club last July, which resulted in his article on 10 years of Tis being printed in the matchday programme ‘The Grecian’ for City’s match against Portsmouth last August.
The work experience helped improve Jordan’s confidence, and as a result his school work improved dramatically, which has led to him being accepted on a print-media course at Exeter College starting this September.
After meeting Ollie, Jordan is now the envy of his friends. He plans to get the boots mounted and kept on display in his bedroom, along with the photo from Saturday.
Jordan and Terry are now St James Park regulars and are planning on becoming season ticket holders next year.