Sunday, September 04, 2005
Squad security stepped up to foil autograph hunters
By Alex McGreevy
04 September 2005
SECURITY will be tightened around Sven Goran Eriksson's squad when it lands in Northern Ireland this week - but not because of terrorism fears.
It is understood the FA's security advisors have cited England's crucial World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland as a safe haven for professional autograph hunters, who flog star signatures on the internet.
The international stars will stay at the five-star Culloden Hotel in north Down, the choice location of the German national squad while preparing for the Euro '96 finals in England.
It is there that security will be stepped up and players are being warned to limit autograph signings.
A source said: "The England players have been warned by their sponsors and the FA that they may be taken for a ride in Northern Ireland and five minutes after signing shirts or books, they may be on sale on the internet.
"A lot of children in Northern Ireland will be excited about seeing the real stars of the Premiership, but they are likely to be left upset because these professional scammers are using kids too. The players don't like to say no to kids, but they have been warned about the professional autograph hunters looking to cash in."
