A group of Armed Forces veterans and representatives from the Tri-Service Toffees supporters’ club enjoyed a special visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Everton's Remembrance fixture against Fulham. The servicemen and women were given a tour of the 52,769 capacity venue on the Mersey waterfront and there was a special surprise at the culmination of the trip.

With the group preparing to gather for photographs on the pitch, first team players James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil walked in to chat and spend some time with the party. The group will now all return to the stadium on Saturday to be part of Everton’s annual tribute to the fallen.

Joseph Sadler, representing the Tri-Service Toffees, an official supporters' club for serving members and veterans of the UK Armed Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) and Merchant Navy who support Everton Football Club, said: “It was a fantastic day, hosted fantastically and well worth the long journey up from my home in Aldershot.

“And I can't lie, it was a nice surprise to see the players walk out at the end of the day. They’re fantastic lads and it was great to catch up with them.”

Terry Stockdale,...