The Blades fan who won gold at the Olympic Games in Beijing after narrowly missing out on medal honours in Athens four years ago will be introduced to the crowd at United's game with Cardiff.

Watching on will be partner Saskia Clark – another Olympian who finished sixth in the 470 class – and his family, including 85-year-old granny Joyce Goodison who as a youngster used to 'sneak' under the gates to watch United!

Paul's dad Roy said: "This is a terrific tribute from United. Paul is a long-time Blades fan and even used to come home from university at Southampton to watch United with his mates during the 90s."

Thirty-one year-old Paul, who as a schoolboy at Brinsworth Comprehensive in Rotherham played junior football for Whiston Boys and Sheffield club Throstles, comes from a footballing family.

As a young girl, Paul's granny Joyce, who used to live on Shoreham Street just yards from the ground, would get into Bramall Lane to watch games by sneaking under the gates. Dad Roy was a member of the school team at Newfield School and was offered a trial with Sheffield Boys.
But ultimately sailing proved to be the big attraction for Paul and his family.

Roy said: "My wife and I have always been sporty people. When we got married we decided we wanted to do a sport that meant we would be together so we took up sailing at Ulley Dam.

"It meant that Paul and his brother Matthew, who was also a good sailor, were out on the water at a very early age. In fact we took Paul out wrapped up in blankets when he was just six weeks old. No wonder life's been good to him on the water.

"Paul has always been determined and focused when it comes to sailing. He took time out to take one of his A-level exams when he was sailing for Great Britain abroad and did not let a serious hand injury suffered when he came off his mountain bike just before the Olympics get in the way of his preparations.

"I am not sure what the future holds for Paul – I think he will be aiming for 2012 but he has got to get into the British team first. For now he is taking a bit of time out and that means catching up on the Blades."

United's reception for Paul was organised by chairman Kevin McCabe.
He said: "We were willing him on to win especially after the heartache of Athens four years ago. We are all delighted Paul and his family will be our very special guests at Bramall Lane when all Blades will give him the reception he so richly deserves."

Paul took manager Kevin Blackwell and ex-Blades boss Neil Warnock sailing off the Isle of Wight in the Round the Island race earlier this summer.

At the time he said: "It would be great if I won gold and then United got promoted back to the Premier League. And to go on the pitch before a match would be brilliant."

At a champagne reception to welcome the sailing team home, Paul said: "I'm tired and drained both mentally and physically. I'm really looking forward to heading home and spending some time with my family. But it feels great to have a medal round my neck."



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