Sandbach United's head gatekeeper, Adam Standring, swapped his love of football for a stage of a different kind recently.

Adam is usually found at the Hind Heath Road stadium on match days in his role as steward and head gatekeeper helping the crowds enjoy the football at Sandbach United.

But the massive footie fan found himself using another of his many talents when he was asked to appear on stage with English tenor Russell Watson.

The 19-year-old met Russell at a recent book signing at Astbury Meadow Garden Centre earlier this month which Nub News attended here

From this, Adam, who lives in Alsager but attends Sandbach United, was asked to sign for the audience when Russell Watson, who lives near Congleton, gave two fundraising concerts at St Mary's Church in Astbury, Congleton.

Russell at his book signing earlier this month. (Photo: Nub News)

It was suggested that the talented teenager, who learnt the sign language Markaton while at Springfield School in Crewe, should sign on stage for 'White Christmas' during Russell's concert.

Adam's mum, Lorraine Standring, accompanied her son, who has Down's Syndrome, to the first concert on Thursday night (December 19th) and was at Saturday night's performance (December 21st).

"We're big fans of Russell Watson so bought his Christmas CD and book at the book signing when it was suggested Adam could appear on stage with Russell," she said.

"He's very good at Markaton. He only had 24 hours to learn the signing for the song but he learnt it perfectly and we're absolutely thrilled.

"Markaton helps to encourage speech and Adam learnt this at Springfield School in Crewe. He did really well with the song."

Adam on stage with Russell Watson at Thursday night's concert. (Photo: Lorraine Susanne Standring

Lorraine recorded the big moment on her phone to keep as a memory and it won't be the last time the mother-of-four connects with Russell Watson over the festive period.

She said: "I bought Russell's new book 'Encore: My Journey Back to Centre Stage' for her son Adam but is reading it herself before passing it on to him.

"We've also bought his Christmas CD so will have lots of lovely memories of him during the festive period." 

Sandbach United are equally proud of their head gate keeper. A spokesperson said: "Anyone that comes to the club on a match day will know Adam as one of our stewards and head gatekeeper.

"What an amazing experience for him performing on stage with Russell Watson."

Sandbach Nub News wishes Adam and his family an amazing Christmas.

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