Source: Liverpool_Echo
Evertonian Matt Dawson relishing return to city for Echo Arena show
Matt Dawson 300[LNB]MATT DAWSON is relishing the chance to return 'home' next week and rub shoulders with one of his sporting heroes.[LNB]The former England rugby union international and World Cup winner is currently on the road as part of the first ever 'A Question of Sport' live UK tour.[LNB]Since the dates were announced team captain Dawson has been counting down the days to next Friday's Bonfire Night show at the Echo Arena.[LNB]Born in Birkenhead, the 37-year-old spent the first six years of his life in Oxton before his family moved to Southampton.[LNB] Over three decades may have past since he left Merseyside but he remains a devout Evertonian.[LNB]And much to his delight one of the guest panellists at the Echo Arena will be Blues legend Graeme Sharp.[LNB]'I've been looking forward to this trip back to Liverpool for a long time,' he said.[LNB]'I'm from just over the water and it's always great to go back. My grandparents still live in Oxton and hopefully I'll get the chance to see them.[LNB]'When I was a kid my dad was a Tranmere fan and my mum supported Liverpool but from a young age I was smitten with the Blues.[LNB]'Growing up in the early 80s I really admired the likes of Graeme Sharp, Trevor Steven, Adrian Heath, Neville Southall and Kevin Ratcliffe. What a side that was.[LNB]'Sharpy was my big hero and the fact he's going to be on the show with us is going to be incredible. I just hope he's on my team.'[LNB]Since retiring from professional sport in 2006, Dawson has carved out an impressive television career ranging from Strictly Come Dancing to Celebrity MasterChef and working as a rugby pundit.[LNB]It means he often has to support his beloved Blues from afar.[LNB]'I don't get to see anywhere near as much of Everton as I would like,' he said.[LNB]'Getting to Goodison is difficult but I always try to get to the away games in London. I know that's a little bit plastic but that's because of work.[LNB]'We had a tough start to the season but we were unlucky with a few results and I always thought we would pick up.[LNB]'There is real quality in the side now with Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar and Jagielka. When they tick we look a completely different side.'
