Evertonian Matt Dawson relishing return to city for Echo Arena show

Matt Dawson 300MATT DAWSON is relishing the chance to return 'home' next week and rub shoulders with one of his sporting heroes.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.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.Born in Birkenhead, the 37-year-old spent the first six years of his life in Oxton before his family moved to Southampton. Over three decades may have past since he left Merseyside but he remains a devout Evertonian.And much to his delight one of the guest panellists at the Echo Arena will be Blues legend Graeme Sharp.'I've been looking forward to this trip back to Liverpool for a long time,' he said.'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.'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.'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.'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.'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.It means he often has to support his beloved Blues from afar.'I don't get to see anywhere near as much of Everton as I would like,' he said.'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.'We had a tough start to the season but we were unlucky with a few results and I always thought we would pick up.'There is real quality in the side now with Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar and Jagielka. When they tick we look a completely different side.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo