Yahoo News I did what Jamie Carragher said he couldn't at Anfield
I did what Jamie Carragher said wasn’t for him at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, writes Paul McAuley.
I’m not talking about helping bring back two FA cups to the Reds’ home ground or playing a key role in the squad’s 2005 Champions League miracle comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul.
I'm talking about climbing to the top of the Main Stand roof of one of the largest all-seater single stands in European football and descending down the side of the stadium.
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The football pundit and former defender took on the challenge alongside Gary Neville as part of Sky Max’s Overlap on Tour series. Viewers watched as former Manchester United captain Gary took the 100ft abseil in his stride with ease.
Jamie, however, needed a little more encouragement from the Anfield Abseil team, at one point looking like he was going to back out completely, citing ‘that’s not me, I can’t do that’. The 46-year-old dad-of-two eventually saw the challenge through, but not without some taunting from Gary.
With this in mind, when I was invited to experience the abseil myself first-hand, I thought if it is good enough for Jamie Carragher - eventually - it is good enough for me.
When I arrived I was straight away put at ease with a warm welcome from the team.
There was a group of eight of us - and everyone else seemed a lot less nervous than me. I was putting it down to the fact they had moral support waiting at the bottom for them - they had people relying on them. I, however, was riding it solo, a one-man band.
After strapping on an unflattering harness and red hard hat - who said safety was always fashionable? - we were ready to go.
The experience was equally hair-raising and spine-tingling and because of this, I will admit, I refused to look down at any point. And I certainly did not let go of the rope for a ‘hands-free’ opportunity, no matter how much I was cheered on.
Standing at the top of the abseil you are in the perfect position to appreciate the stunning views the city has to offer - including several iconic landmarks.
After walking past the club’s huge official crest, you are just moments away from safely landing back on solid ground after the adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Whilst I was already at the stadium, I decided to do a self-guided tour - a chance to go behind the scenes at one of the world’s most historic stadiums.
This is ideal for those who want plenty of time to soak in everything around them, including a first-time visitor like myself.
Get a free National Trust pass worth up to £50 for your family day out this spring
