Fans' delight at Dirk visit

Dirk Kuyt, John Aldridge and Brian Hall were amongst the guests as the Liverpool FC Disabled Supporters' Association held their Christmas party at Anfield last week.

Over 160 members of the LDSA gathered in the Centenary Stand's Shankly suite for a night to be remembered.

And fans were left delighted as Reds star Kuyt arrived as a surprise guest, along with LDSA President Aldridge.

Those in attendance were also treated to a slap-up meal as well as a disco, prize raffle and a routine from stand-up comedian Mickey Finn.

Liverpool FC disability liaison officer Colin McCall said: "It's been a really good evening.

"We had Dirk Kuyt, John Aldridge and Brain Hall come along and they've been around each and every single table, which took a long time as you can imagine, but they were brilliant in taking time out to speak with the fans.

"Having the support from the club helps put a smile on everybody's face and then to have a player turn up is very uplifting for the supporters.

"The club have been very helpful. We've had over 50 staff involved in just putting this night on and their support has been brilliant.

"Whenever I speak to anyone at the club, they're always willing to help and that supports my role and makes my life a lot easier.

"It's very important for the LDSA to get together. We meet on regular occasions and have two big parties a year, with a lot of other events going on in between.

"The LDSA is like a family, as you can see - everyone is chatting to each other and there's some good banter going on."

Kuyt spent well over an hour mingling with supporters - and the Dutchman was more than happy to chat, pose for photographs and give autographs to fans.

"I am very proud to have been invited to this event," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's good to be here and have the chance to do something for our disabled fans, especially as I do some work with disabled people for my foundation.

"It was good to take some time out and have a picture with the fans or give them an autograph."

Despite having a Barclays Premier League clash with Portsmouth to prepare for, Kuyt was delighted to lend his support to the event.

"Every fan deserves a lot of respect, and I think that is one of the biggest strengths of this football club - we've got so many good supporters," he added.

"It's very important for players to be involved in events like this. We have to know who our supporters are and it's good to see them happy.

"We're playing a lot of games at the moment, but spending some time with these fans is good and it gives you more power to do well on the pitch."

Kop legend Aldridge added: "It was excellent to see Dirk at the event.

"It's very important to not only keep links with the old players such as Brian Hall and myself, but also the current players.

"Dirk has more or less been an ever present all season, but he turned up in his own time and gone round each of the tables to chat and pose for photographs with the fans.

"It may have been just an hour of his time, but that goes a long way with these fans and he deserves a huge pat on the back for that."

Aldridge was appointed as the President of the LDSA earlier this year - a role the former Liverpool striker is relishing.

"I had no hesitation in agreeing to become the president of the LDSA," he beamed.

"There's never a problem in helping out. That goes for all of the ex-players and we're quite privileged to go out of our way for the people here and their friends and relatives too.

"It's a great turn out. People have gone to tremendous lengths to bring disabled fans to these functions and it's absolutely brilliant to see.

"One guy has come all the way from Washington in America and I think that speaks for itself.

"It's very important the club put on events like this for the LDSA. There are a lot of fervent supporters in here.

"They're certainly a fanatical bunch, and I've already hosted a few phone-ins!"

Liverpool FC Community Manager Bill Bygroves admits the club were 'privileged' to host the event.

He said: "The LDSA are a wonderful part of this football club.

"To have Dirk Kuyt, John Aldridge and Brian Hall here, you have no idea what that personal touch can do to a fan. That little conversation, photograph or signature gives such a boost to folk who have difficulties we don't have to face.

"This was a wonderful night and the club were not just happy to host this event, we were privileged."