A man on a Mersey mission

THEY played against each other in Merseyside derbies and forged a coaching alliance on three continents.

Former Everton midfielder Tony Grant and Kop legend Robbie Fowler have been friends since they were team-mates for Liverpool Schoolboys (below, right).

And their globetrotting adventures have included an audience backstage with Sir Elton John in Australia.

The Rocket Man's first UK No.1 was his duet with Kiki Dee, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, and Grant's wife whose name, wait for it, is Kiki Dee - was gutted to miss out on meeting Sir Elton.

Grant would later work as Fowler's assistant coach in India and Saudi Arabia, but now he has gone back to his roots by launching A&K Football Education, an inspired initiative to help wayward kids back into mainstream learning.

Grant's project, with business partner Kevin Kirby, offers renewed hope to lost souls.

"A lot of kids find mainstream school too much of a challenge and they go missing," said Grant.

"They were stuck in the house during the Covid pandemic and it's had a massive impact.

"We are trying to make a difference by changing their mindset with a course based on football skills and physical activity, with wellness workshops to improve their mental health.