Wolverhampton born Simon Jordan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged three around the time he fell in love with football and his local team - Wolves.
His room at Wrottesley Park House Care Home is a shrine to the club, and care staff support him to get to games at The Molineux with his close friends.
Despite battling declining movement and coordination, Simon was determined to play football with his dream coming true at the age of 11 when he was chosen to represent Wolves’ wheelchair team.
Over four years he played as their star goalkeeper competing locally and winning many treasured trophies.
Now at the age of 36 he goes to the ground to watch home games as a proud season ticket holder.
Santhosh George, is manager of luxury home on Wergs Road, which provides Simon with the assistance and support he needs. “Simon has lived with us since 2021, he’s a really great, funny young man who loves getting out and about,” he said.
“He’s always chatting with staff and the other residents and is a real breath of fresh air being one of our younger residents as we provide care for physically disabled adults as well as residents with brain injuries, mental health and/or learning disabilities.
“His room is a shrine to Wolves, and we love hearing his stories of how he used to play for the club and all the stories behind the many trophies he has in his room.
“He’s really inspiring as he’s fiercely independent and we’re pleased that we can support him to live as independently as possible and attend games with his friends Andy and Jim.”
Simon makes use of the great wheelchair access area at the ground to get up close to the action.
Simon said: “I’ve always been a huge Wolves fan, and I loved playing for the team back in the day. Training was good, and great fun.
“We used to train once a week with a focus on saving and releasing the ball for me as goalkeeper. I never thought I’d be able to play football but having the adapted wheelchair and being part of the Wolves team was a dream come true.”
With many accolades Wolves were the first club to win all four divisions of the English professional game but Simon’s greatest memories date back to more recent times.
He said: "My favourite ever game was back in May 2003 when I went to Sheffield United away and Wolves won 3-0. The atmosphere was amazing, and it meant they went up into the Premier League, so the fans went mental following the win.”.
He added: “My favourite player is South Korean national team player Hwang Hee-Chan who plays forward for Wolves and is an all-time great.
“I really appreciate the support the home gives me to be able to get to the ground. I just don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t get there! I just hope now Wolves can stay out of the relegation zone!”