Royal summons for John

JOHN shakes the prince's hand after the game.

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Royton RAF man gets a call to meet Prince William after running line in FA Cup final

WHILE most people would be content rubbing shoulders with football stars, Royton’s John Flynn went one better at the FA Cup final when the future King sought him out for a chin-wag.

Assistant referee John, a Premiership regular, was one of the officials for Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Wembley.

The former Our Lady’s pupil could hardly believe it when, in the minutes leading up to kick-off, Prince William — president of the FA — asked referee Chris Foy: “Where is Flynn?”

John, now based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, flies and supervises freight for the air force and it turned out that the guest of honour fancied a chat about life in the service with a fellow officer.

He explained: “The Prince is currently training to fly and there is a chance we will end up working together for the RAF in the future.

“I had never met him before but it was a privilege. I heard him say, ‘Where is Flynn?’ and next thing I know, he’s on his way over for a conversation about service life! I didn’t mind being addressed by my surname at all. It’s not bad being on second name terms with the future king!

“He came up to me after the match when we received our medals in the Royal Box, to say ‘Keep up the good work’, which made me very proud.”

On the pitch it was a good day for the officials, with no contentious decisions threatening to spoil the showpiece event.

John correctly awarded the second penalty of the afternoon to Chelsea, which Frank Lampard uncharacteristically missed.

And, apart from dad Martin yelling at his television back in Oldham, it was a day to remember for the family.

John added: “Apparently the ITV cameras moved on to something else when I went to collect my medal, so my dad had a little rant at the TV screen! I brought my wife Catherine along, she got on very well with the other wives. She enjoyed the occasion.

“My daughters Lara and Amy phoned to say how proud they are of dad, which was lovely.

“When the officials are mentioned on the public address system at the end of the match we can usually expect some booing, but both sets of supporters clapped which was the perfect end to a memorable day.”