By George, Stan finds dressing up suits him

A FOOTBALL-MAD Luton man who travels the globe following the England team dressed as St George, will release a book of his hilarious high jinks in May.

‘By George’ chronicles David ‘Stan’ Stanfield’s adventures following England since the 2006 World Cup in Germany – a time he describes as being like “a six year stag do”.

Stan is part of a group of nine dedicated England fans known as the Men In George suits – a nod to the Luton Town firm, Men In Gear.

But Stan, who does not follow a particular football club, says the similarities end there. He said: “Can you imagine a hooligan wearing this stuff?”

There are nine official ‘Georges’ in Stan’s group, which was originally the brainchild of fellow fan Paul Johnson.

At first Stan was against the idea, but after being the first to wear the suit in public he earned the title of ‘George I’.

Stan’s first England match was a 1979 victory over Bulgaria, and has not missed an away game since 2006 – travelling as far as Trinidad and Kazakhstan.

He told the News: “I thought to myself ‘I’ve got to write all this stuff down, it’s about self-preservation really.”

A minor celebrity in his Church Lane neighbourhood, Stan and his friends are treated as royalty at England matches. He said: “When we put these suits on, everyone’s perception of you changes.”

“Everyone wants to talk to us, to have their photo taken – they’re a magnet for chaos.”

Stan says the 2006 penalty shoot-out loss to Portugal was his most disappointing moment watching England, while the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is his favourite memory.

But if you think this book is all about football, think again. Stan said: “90 minutes spoil a good trip away.”

Stan’s father David Stanfield is the only person to have read his son’s book. He said: “I’m very proud. It’s absolutely unbelievable. It’s the most hilarious thing I’ve ever read, I thoroughly recommend it.”

Stan said: “It’s like the best stag do I’ve ever been on – and it’s not over yet, the next stop is Norway to go to in May.”

‘By George’ is published by Blakes, RRP £7.99, and Stan is already planning the book’s sequel – titled ‘George Rides Again’. Watch this space.

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