LEE RIDLEY is a Newcastle United fanatic — but you will probably know him as Lost Voice Guy.The stand-up comic became a huge hit and won Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.
Lee Ridley is a lifelong Newcastle supporterCredit: Getty – Contributor
Newcastle are returning to Wembley for the first time since 1999Credit: Getty
Unable to speak since being diagnosed with cerebral palsy in early childhood, Ridley uses a communication device to bring his brilliant humour to audiences.
Here, in his unique style, Ridley, 42, tells SunSport his footballing experiences, hopes and dreams as a member of the Toon Army.
NEWCASTLE UNITED has always been special to me since I saw my first match at St James’ Park in 1991.
Ossie Ardiles was the manager back then and, admittedly, we were rubbish!
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But the atmosphere was like nothing else I’ve experienced. From that day, I loved it.
When I was younger, I really wanted to play for them. Let’s be honest, I can hardly walk never mind run, so that was never going to happen.
But I was also very stubborn. If someone told me I couldn’t do something, I made it my mission to prove them wrong. To be fair, it’s that sort of attitude that got me a career in stand-up comedy.
Anyway, in my attempt to become Newcastle’s next No 9, I joined Junior Magpies. After all, I was as good at dribbling as Chris Waddle. Surely the rest of it was as easy!?
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Ridley has been a Newcastle fan ‘since they were rubbish’Credit: Instagram
But, it turned out it wasn’t to be. Mainly because I fell down and got injured more than Michael Owen.
Instead, I watched from the Leazes End, though I was never very good at the chants.
You try singing the Blaydon Races when you sound like a pound-shop Stephen Hawking.
I stood in awe as Philippe Albert scored that chip against Manchester United.
I jumped for joy as Tino Asprilla destroyed Barcelona.
And who can forget the time we scored five against the Mackems?
Of course, one thing has always been missing, though — some silverware!
So when we reached our last final, in the FA Cup against Manchester United in 1999 — so long ago that it was at the old Wembley, dial-up internet was all the rage, and Alan Shearer still had hair — I made my way to London with hope in my heart.
Looking back now, I was fooling myself. Ruud Gullit was in charge, for a start.
The man who changed his starting 11 more than I changed my underpants.
The closest we got to “sexy football” on Tyneside was when Nobby Solano took his shirt off.
The fact was we just weren’t good enough on the day.
We never really recovered from an early Teddy Sheringham goal. That was a long journey home.
But 24 years later, we’re back at Wembley again. But this time it really does feel different. I promise!
The progress the lads have made this season has left me speechless. The city is buzzing again, and it’s a delight to see.
But this is just the beginning.
Coming from a comedian who can’t even speak, trust me when I say ‘If you believe it, you can achieve it’.
Come on Newcastle, let’s give the fans what they’ve deserved for so long.
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Just don’t expect me to give a team talk as good as Eddie Howe… I’m available if you are desperate for a keeper though.
Howay the lads!
Ridley is hopeful Newcastle can actually win the final on SundayCredit: Rex Features More
