Man decks out decking despite wife's disapproval

A football-obsessed man has decked out his decking and garden in St George’s crosses – despite his wife’s disapproval.

Almost every inch of Alfie Patterson’s garden in Blyth, Northumberland, has been draped in flags, with even the gnomes wearing England kits.

The space will be used by his family and friends to watch England’s World Cup quarter final performance against Norway, which kicks off at 22:00 BST.

He said his wife was “a little bit upset” he had painted her favourite decking in red and white, but they had reached a compromise after he promised her he would paint it all-white in time for Christmas.

“It’s going to look like snow and give the winter effect, so now she’s quite happy,” he said.

He said his life “revolves around my grandchildren and football” after he gave up his 34-year passion of caring for racing pigeons, in order to spend more time with family.

He added he believed England’s only hope of beating Norway’s imposing striker Erling Haaland – who usually plays for Manchester City – was defender Dan Burn, who usually plays for Newcastle United.

The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four on 15 July.

But Patterson, who is otherwise a Sunderland AFC fan, said the outcome would be a “win-win” for him because he had placed a side bet on Norway.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

Related stories