You could become star-struck when you walk into Maldon Town Football Club's bar.

Drinking with the football greats - the real Alan Drewer with the mural featuring David Beckham, Sven-Goran Ericksson and Alex Ferguson, plus Maldon Town manager Colin Wallington Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

But you are not really stepping up to England hero David Beckham. It is just a lifelike painting of him.

That's because inside the room, in Park Drive, is mural reflecting the bar, which shows the Maldon Town manager, Colin Wallington, chatting to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, with Beckham sitting on a bar stool and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson walking across the room.

The club's general manager, Alan Drewer, said: "It is absolutely superb and has beomce a bit talking point."

He added the idea came as the club set about transforming the room into a sports bar. It now has Sky television and a big screen to watch matches on.

Mr Drewer said: "We are trying to encourage the people of Maldon to come down here and have a drink while watching the football."

The artwork was created by Heybridge resident John Calhagan, who normally paints murals on to motorbikes and cars. He also did all the artwork at nearby Madison Heights.

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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