World Cup fever has hit South Tyneside as a former landlord transforms his pub into a vibrant fanzone. Norman Scott, 64, has 'come out of retirement' to decorate the Clock Inn in Hebburn with over 2,000 flags, creating a festive atmosphere for the tournament.
Pub Transformed for the World Cup
Norman, who ran the Clock on Victoria Street for 13 years, dusted off his collection of flags from his shed to turn the pub into what he hopes will be Hebburn's premier destination for the World Cup. On the eve of the tournament, he arranged for Mickey and Minnie Mouse to deliver a replica World Cup trophy to the pub.
The pub is expecting a busy summer, partly due to its colorful decorations. For England's group game against Panama on Saturday, June 27, the pub will host 'Clockstonbury' with bands playing from 1pm to build up to the match. Norman said: 'I've told them to play Vindaloo and some other songs!'
Norman's Predictions and History
The retired landlord plans to stay up late to watch all the matches. When asked who he thinks will win, he said: 'Watching England play the kind of football they did last night against Costa Rica, it's them; but I'm never going to say anything else! My heart says England but you can't knock the Spanish, they're a good team. A lot of people are looking at France, but England and Spain are the favourites for me.'
Norman has a history of going all out for international tournaments. While running Dougie's Tavern, also in Hebburn, he launched the Kevin Keegan Arena for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was opened by Keegan himself.
This article originally appeared on ChronicleLive.
