Andy Milne, a close companion of the famous ‘World Cup Guy,’ has struck a remarkable deal with Hilton Hotels during this summer’s tournament. This agreement came to fruition after it was disclosed by the Mirror that Andy was selling his second property to finance his journey to support England in the US. Despite having two property viewings valued at £350,000, no offers have materialized thus far.
Accompanied by his old friend and former colleague Stuart Kenyon, a geography teacher from Northwich in Cheshire, Andy is now traveling cost-free to each World Cup venue. Their stay at the Hilton in Dallas was marked by an enjoyable reception where they mingled with England supporters from all over the US, embarking on a thrilling seven-week expedition across the nation.
Stuart, residing near Andy in Northwich, Cheshire, humorously remarked, “It’s a demanding task, but someone has to do it. We used to organize school trips abroad with our students before Andy’s retirement, but this experience surpasses all previous ones. We’ve been incredibly fortunate.”
Reflecting on the lavish experience, Stuart added, “Last night, I indulged in steak with shrimp, and the quality of the accommodation truly enhances the journey. It’s a fantastic way to support England, even though Andy is putting in tremendous effort.”
Aged 63, Andy has just unveiled his adventures across nine World Cups in his book titled ‘That World Cup Guy.’ Promoting the book at the World Cup, he relished an ‘England Night’ at the Seven Doors Kitchen in Dallas.
Formerly colleagues at The Grange school in Cheshire, Andy and Stuart are relishing every moment in the United States. Both secured £45 tickets through the official England fans’ club as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication.
“I’ve attended every World Cup since 2006,” Andy shared. “This one has been quite challenging so far; Dallas is spread out, and fans must travel extensively between locations. Nevertheless, the stadium is spectacular, and I believe I have secured a spot close to the front row. It’s essential to savor every minute of this experience.”
Following the tournament, Andy will embark on a journey to Australia with his wife Achla, aged 63, to meet their daughter and soon-to-be mother Laila, expecting their first grandchild in the summer.
In the event of an England triumph, Andy plans to update his book with new chapters, encapsulating the pinnacle of his lifelong devotion to the national team.
Andy gained prominence during the Qatar tournament when he was photographed holding a replica of the iconic Jules Rimet trophy while celebrating England’s 3-0 victory against Senegal in the round of 16, as featured in the Mirror.
Jacob Quintana, the 36-year-old manager and owner of Seven Doors, described the England night as perfectly timed for the US during the World Cup, fostering unity and joy amongst fans, irrespective of the team they support.
Stijn Bastiaens, the Vice President of Marketing and Loyalty at Hilton in EMEA, emphasized the importance of providing top-notch accommodation for fans supporting England away from home. Hilton’s partnership with the FA and the England teams led to their support for Andy during the tournament, ensuring he had the best hotels for rest and recovery.
Moreover, Andy will be featured in a new campaign alongside his idols – Jordan Pickford, Ray Parlour, Jill Scott, and Morgan Rogers – as a tribute to the loyal fans who stand by their teams throughout the journey.