AN adorable four-year-old who has followed Southend United across the country has become a sensation on social media after fans banded together to ensure he could watch a game.
Harlee Haslett has been flung into the spotlight after watching a Blues match...while sitting on a bin.
The young Shrimper went to Maidenhead away last Tuesday with his grandad, Andy Ward, but on arrival found all the seats were full.
Harlee was left unable to see as the railings at the standing area were too high for him, so his grandad and other Southend United fans found a bin and moved it to the railings.
They then sat Harlee on top which has since been branded “the best seat in the house” after the photo went viral on social media.
His grandad, Andy, 49, said: “Harlee attended his first game at Roots Hall when he was just two months old against Lincoln City when we won 2-1.
“Harlee and I now attend most games together home and away. Everyone knows Harlee and loves him.
“When we went to Maidenhead, the seats were full, and he couldn’t see.
We saw this brand-new bin, so we moved it to the railings and sat him on top. Everyone loved the idea.”
On that night, Southend United beat Maidenhead 2-1, thanks to a winner from Danny Waldron.
The next away game, against Oldham, will be his 9th away ground following the club while the match against Dagenham and Redbridge at Roots Hall on March 9 will be the youngsters 50th game supporting the Blues.
Andy has supported the Shrimpers for more than 40 years, and went to games with his grandad, and dad, before he began taking his daughters.
He has since created a Facebook page to share his and Harlee’s Southend United journey together.
He added: “I am so proud of him for mixing with everyone and being part of a fantastic supporters’ base. He loves it.
“I know our love for the Blues will only get stronger and that excites me so much as it gives us a wonderful relationship.
“We even now have our own Facebook page together, keeping all of our adventures together as one, called Harlee and Grandad the Shrimpers.”
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