A FOOTBALL fan has arranged to have televisions at his wedding reception because his big day clashes with the FA Cup final.

Soccer-mad Paul Longdon, of Radworth Crescent, Marton, has been a Manchester United fan all his life.

So when he found out the final, between the Reds and rivals Liverpool on May 11, clashed with the other big match in his life, at St Paul's Church on Whitegate Drive, he simply had to act.

Paul, 31, an understeward at Blackpool Central Working Men's Club, arranged with the Royal York Hotel on Central Promenade, Blackpool, to have TV sets showing the match.

He said: "I was full of mixed emotions when I found out they had reached the final. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

"So I'm taking a portable TV set to put on one of the tables at the reception and there is also a big TV in the reception room.

He explained: "I hardly ever get a chance to go to Old Trafford because of my hours at work.

"I didn't even find out the dates clashed until three weeks after the wedding was booked.

"And to be honest I thought they might be knocked out before the final anyway. When they qualified I didn't know what to feel."

Fiancee Nicola Armitage, 26, was quite understanding. Paul said: "Nicola has been great about the whole thing. She's too excited about the wedding to be angry."

Father of the bride, Michael Armitage, who had a life-saving heart transplant 12 months ago, is overjoyed.

He said: "It's going to be the proudest day of my life.

"Everyone has been worried that I wouldn't make it, but I'm feeling just brilliant now and I'll be there to give Nicola away on the day."

Unfortunately for Michael, he has been ordered not to make a speech in case the lads miss any of the football - not that it will stop him.

"I'm planning to say a few words in a Scouse accent just to make a point," he joked.

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