SERVING soldiers in Afghanistan have sent their support to Huddersfield Town’s promotion bid – and will follow every kick live.
Cpl James Cheesman, Staff Sgt Gregory ‘Peck’ Ramsden and Senior Aircraftman Duncan Farrington, clambered aboard a tank to roar their backing for the Terriers.
The men were pictured with forces’ broadcaster Mike Howarth, also a massive Town fan.
The heroes hope to follow all the action of tomorrow’s winner-takes-all showdown with Sheffield United at Wembley stadium, on forces’ radio or TV.
Cpl Cheesman, 28, from Oakes, is serving with 3 Yorks in Afghanistan on a six-month tour of duty.
The former All Saints High School pupil, who will be watching the game from Camp Bastion, sent a message via Facebook and Twitter which said: “I’m gutted I can’t be at Wembley. All the best and you’d better win!!”
Cpl Cheesman’s mum, Cath Walter, 52, of Castle Hill, said her son was a big Town fan.
“He has been a fan since he was young,” she said. “He is out there in 40°C heat but they still have the time to make professional-looking banners and post this picture. It really made me smile.”
Cpl Cheesman, in the forces for 10 years, is on his second tour to Afghanistan and went out in April. He has also been to Iraq twice.
Cath said: “I can’t describe how proud I am of him. Of course you worry. It’s his fourth tour and it never gets any easier.
“You just keep busy and wait for contact.”
Cpl Cheesman, who plans to marry fiancee Hollie next year, is allowed 30 minutes of phone calls a week and also sends messages online.
Forces personnel can tune into live commentary via Radio 5 Live and Sky Sports, which kicks off at 6pm Afghan time.
Backing for Town also came from Staff Sgt Ramsden, 36, of Golcar, who is serving with Headquarters 2 Signal Brigade, working on communications.
The former Colne Valley High School pupil, who had the banners made up, said: “You can do it Town!”
SAC Farrington, 23, of Moldgreen, is due home shortly but not in time for Wembley.
His job in Afghanistan has been load control, controlling every single British and NATO aircraft in and out of Bastion.
He’ll be watching the game in Cyprus while on his way home at the end of his tour.
SA Farrington said: “Good luck lads. You’ve worked immensely hard all season and you should have had automatic promotion.”
Forces broadcaster Mr Howarth, 31, from Ainley Top, will be watching from Camp Bastion.
He said: “A massive shout to the whole team and all the fans back in Huddersfield.
“I’m just so sorry I can’t make it to Wembley! Listen out for the cheers from all us lads in Afghanistan. You can do it!”
