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wembley

England reach Euros final: After the football… the Cricket! 150 150 mhamer

England reach Euros final: After the football… the Cricket!

Jimmy Cricket returned to the Lyndene Hotel on the historic night England beat Denmark to reach the 2020 Euros final.

Gareth Southgate’s side ended the country’s 55-year wait to compete in another major men’s final with a 2-1 win at Wembley on Wednesday.

England had gone behind on the half-hour, conceding their first goal of the tournament to Mikkel Damsgaard’s superb free-kick.

However, England replied quickly as Denmark captain Simon Kjaer turned in Bukayo Saka’s dangerous, low cross six minutes before half-time.

And, in the first half of extra time, the hosts finally went ahead.

Raheem Sterling was controversially deemed to have been fouled by Joakim Maehle in the box.

VAR, the video technology, supported the referee’s award.

England captain Harry Kane saw his poor penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the Tottenham striker coolly slotted home the kind rebound.

The Wembley showdown with Italy on Sunday night is England’s first appearance in a major football final since the Three Lions’ 1966 World Cup victory against West Germany.

It was a momentous Wednesday night for famous funnyman Jimmy to be performing on stage, particularly at the Lyndene – his favourite Blackpool hotel.

He tweeted: “So last night I went on stage at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool after the England and Denmark match and said: ‘Are you ready for this…

“‘Well folks, you’ve had the Football and now it’s time for the Cricket.'”

Jimmy had been eagerly awaiting his return to the Lyndene (see the image below).

Jimmy Cricket returned to the Lyndene Hotel on the night England beat Denmark to reach the Euros final against Italy

Pandemic apart, he has appeared regularly on the popular Lyndene’s two stages.

His performances at the Lyndene were limited during 2020 following the restrictions imposed because of coronavirus.

Five seasons

Jimmy did his last show there in September before another lockdown resulted in the closure of hospitality venues.

He is appearing once a month at the Lyndene until the end of the year.

The Northern Irish entertainer has enjoyed five successful seasons at the seaside venue.

Also read: ‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’

See all Jimmy’s booked shows (note the schedule is updated regularly)

Appearing in Rochdale AFC’s fanzine 150 150 mhamer

Appearing in Rochdale AFC’s fanzine
Rochdale FC fanzine showing comedian Jimmy Cricket alongside the then manager Dave Sutton

Rochdale FC fanzine showing Jimmy Cricket alongside then manager Dave Sutton

Jimmy Cricket was reminded recently of the day he featured on the front page of the Rochdale Football Club fanzine.

It was in April 1997 when the famous Irish comedian appeared in a photograph alongside the then Rochdale FC manager Dave Sutton.

Jimmy has been a resident of the town of Rochdale for nearly 40 years and, like any other football fan, he has from time to time kept an eye on how his local team have been getting on.

This interest extended to him helping them out with a few initiatives back in the 1990s when the then commercial director – a charismatic man called Les Duckworth – was involved with the club  – and he and Jimmy got on really well.

Les’s dad had a music hall connection and Les was passionate about live theatre, which meant he and Jimmy has a lot in common.

As a result of this, Jimmy popped down to Rochdale to help Les out with the occasional fundraiser and presentation, and other initiatives at the club.

This even went as far Jimmy trying to record a comedy football song with the team though it did not go too well as the players’ collective singing ability was not as good as their performances on the pitch!

Jimmy also arranged a comedy five-a-side football match to take place during the half-time interval at one of the midweek matches.

When Les left the club, Jimmy’s association fell away, though he insists: “I was thrilled to see Rochdale at last get to Wembley a few ago when they reached the League Two play-off final.

“I hope that under Rochdale’s current manager, John Coleman, they have a successful season and bounce straight back into League One after last season’s relegation.”

Jimmy’s thanks go to Dale fan Chris Rodgers for sending in a copy of the front cover of the fanzine which is featured above