A DAZE IN THE LIFE OF MR GRETNA

"WE'RE living the dream we always wanted. It doesn't get any better than this." There was only ever going to be one CD playing in Brooks Mileson's car on the way to Hampden.

The chorus of Gretna FC's official song was so loud we could barely hear ourselves speak in the back of his silver Voyager.

But Brooks didn't care. He drove with fag in hand singing along to EVERY word - only stopping to tell me it's gone in at No.27 in the independent music charts!

Yet another incredible feat for the man whose wife calls him an "ageing hippy".

She must be right because he insists halfway down the M74 he'll get his musical heroes Status Quo to open Gretna's new stadium.

"They don't know it yet," Mileson says "but I'll get them." After what he's already achieved you wouldn't put it past him.

That chorus line summed it all up. Gretna in the Scottish Cup Final and heading for Europe.

Can it REALLY get any better than this for Mileson and his club?

And also his astonishing strength of character in defying doctors who said he'd never walk again as he bravely battles the ME virus.

But what is the man really like?

I found out after less than an hour in his company.

In the car park Mileson was unmistakable. Puffing away as ever with his Gretna kagoul on.

He was still spouting off about the maltreatment of a horse with leukemia he'd taken in.

On the plus side he's been asked by the SSPCA to be on their board.

As he told me he threw his hands in the air and grinned from ear to ear as if Kenny Deuchar had just scored the winner against Hearts.

Brooks had broken off from cup final interviews with Australian and American telly crews to attend a dog show at an animal refuge in Carlisle.

Nothing was a hassle to him. Rottweilers, Lurchers and Jack Russells slobbered over him in equal measure before he opted for wee Jerry as the winner.

The black and white coat did it. As he handed over the winning entry form Brooks discreetly slipped a cheque beside it.

Itmay not look like it but the guy has class.

As he tried to leave a woman rushed up asking if he could get her grandson into the Gretna boys' team. Without hesitation she was given a name and number to call.

Another worker approached asking if a young girl on work experience at the refuge could go to Brooks' sanctuary next.

"Tell her to call me - I'll take her," he said.

Generosity beyond belief. Can you imagine the head honchos of any other club doing that? It quickly became apparent that Mileson just doesn't know how to say no.

So it was no surprise when he called me yesterday morning to make sure I was up and ready for my lift to Hampden.

He had only got back to Gretna at 2.30am after attending a charity dinner in Edinburgh for a boy with one kidney.

At 5am he was up feeding his donkeys, llamas and every other animal he owns. "I'll be f***ing shattered later," he says.

He goes to every game, home and away, with his two mates Lofty and Jack. Brooks tells me Lofty - who has followed Gretna for 50 years - got his name from the time he used to take his pigeons on the supporters' bus.

As we pass Lesmahagow on the motorway Lofty sarcastically waves out the window.

Jack explains: "Lofty used to work in Lesmahagow years ago - we reckon he must have about three kids there he doesn't know about!"

Jack is also hilarious. The Gretna fan for 40 years is relishing a UEFA Cup trip next season.

Only problem is Lofty refuses to fly. Jack says: "Ifwe draw a Russian team we'll have to get a gypsy caravan and leave three days before the game." Brooks is loving the banter - it helps relieve the tension before the biggest match in Gretna's history.

He has a 200-pack of Malboro ciggies on the dashboard and his phone never stops ringing.

We pass aWm Armstrong lorry parked on a bridge above the road with Gretna FC and the club crest painted on it.

The haulage company are Gretna's shirt sponsor and the good luck message is well received.

It prompts a story from lastweek about a South African who approached Brooks outside a portakabin at Raydale Park.

He said: "The guy was smartly dressed and said, 'Mr Mileson I hear you're a Christian.' I said yes.

"So he replied, 'God told me that f you buy 10,000 crucifixes and your fans wear them at Hampden, God will make you win.'

"I said, 'Sorry mate - my faith doesn't stretch that f***ing far!'" Suddenly Jack's phone rings - it's Sky Sports wanting to speak to him.

Even he is a mini celebrity now.

We're in hysterics as Jack does a deal for £75 an interview!

The last member of our car crew is ex-Gretna skipper Mick Galloway who didn't want to go to the final.

He knows he'll be gutted when he sees Chris Innes lead the side out because he isn't part of it. But Brooks insisted he attend.

We finally arrive at Mileson's favourite chippy, Michael's, for his pre-match ritual of a fish supper.

There are already TV crews and photographers waiting for him. He stops for every fan wanting a picture and autograph.

We find a quiet spot behind Michael's and eat our lunch in the car - that's Mileson to a tee.

It's 1.12pm and time to get to Hampden. One last blast of "We're living the dream" before Brooks heads in to sit with the fans.

The fairytale finished with a sad ending but the dream lives on.

Taken from the Sunday Mail