Dion Dublin, the former Premier League footballer turned BBC presenter, was left speechless after a buyer reminded him of a goal he scored at Anfield nearly three decades ago. The 57-year-old appeared on a recent episode of Homes Under the Hammer, visiting a terraced house just minutes from Liverpool's stadium.
Joking About Safety in Anfield
Standing outside the two-bedroom property, Dublin joked about his Manchester United past. 'Now as an ex-Manchester United player, I'm going to keep this brief because it could be dangerous. Two beds, terraced, went to auction with a guide price of £60,000. I'm off, see you later,' he told viewers.
The house had been stripped back to a 'blank canvas' with bright white walls and no signs of damp or mould. Dublin described it as 'a dream project, not too big, not going to need a huge budget and you're starting from scratch.'
Buyer's Surprise Revelation
A Liverpool-based buyer named Brian purchased the property at an online auction for £56,100. As a civil engineer undertaking his first renovation, Brian was drawn to the location. 'A few minutes walk from Liverpool football ground where I've spent many, many, many happy and some unhappy hours,' he told Dublin.
When Dublin asked about the unhappy moments, Brian recalled a specific match: 'There was a game in April 1997. Coventry visited. A Coventry centre-half popped up in the last minute and scored. A certain Dion Dublin slotted it in to win the game.'
Dublin burst into laughter, shocked that Brian remembered the exact game. 'Great ground though!' he responded.
Renovation and Rental Plans
Brian spent £10,000 on the renovation, aiming to profit from short-term rentals for matches and concerts at Anfield. 'It was my first time renovating, so obviously I'm mixing it with my day job as well so it was weekends and popping up accepting deliveries etc. But luckily I am quite local, so coming and accepting deliveries was a ten-minute job. I've enjoyed it immensely,' he said.
Dublin's Move to Merseyside
Dublin relocated to the Wirral in 2023 with his wife Cheryl, who is from the area. In a 2024 interview with the ECHO, he praised the region: 'It's a lovely place, the people are great, normal and courteous. Nobody wants anything from you. There's obviously the odd picture or autograph, but that's just par for the course and nobody is ever rude. I've got a lot of time for it here and the city is brilliant. I've got no qualms with the place and I absolutely love it.'
Homes Under the Hammer airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer.
