BUTCHERED: TERRY BUTCHER OPENS NEW HEADBAND-WRAPPED PADDY POWER STORE

New Bury St Edmunds store nods to England hero’s famous injury

Well-known Irish bookmaker Paddy Power surprised national hero Terry Butcher by paying homage to him as he attended the opening of their latest shop, wrapping it with a bloodied headband in a nod to one of the most iconic footballing images ever captured.

Butcher famously sustained a gash to the head during a 1989 World Cup qualifier following a clash of heads.

Bandaged up, he played on. And having literally bled for the Three Lions cause, the incident helped cement the former Ipswich Town player into English football folklore.

Paddy Power jumped at the opportunity to have him unveil their new retail store in the Bury St Edmunds area, and the cheeky bookie marked his involvement by accessorising the shop front with a massive hand painted medical gauze headband spanning 800cm x 35cms.

From clean shirts to clean sheets, Paddy Power created some ‘bloody’ great offers at the new store, including an Ipswich Town clean sheet special ahead of their game against Wigan Athletic this afternoon at 5/1.

Additional special odds also find the Tractor Boys to score anytime at the DW Stadium as generous as Evens. 

Commenting on the giant headband, Butcher said: “It’s a privilege to be invited to the new Paddy Power store to mark its opening, but it is an extra special feeling to have the store decorated in my honour. It’s a ‘bloody’ good idea, if you ask me.”

Talking about England’s chances at the World Cup next year, Butcher continued: “It’s been an exciting time watching England of late, from getting to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 to sadly losing in the Euro 2020 final in the summer, this crop of players is starting to get closer and closer to tournament success.

“Since Gareth Southgate took charge, we’ve seen such a positive change around the squad, and I’ve never been more confident that England could go on and challenge at a major tournament. I have full confidence that this team can go to Qatar and really do themselves and our nation proud.”

Spokesman Paddy Power added: “We’re so pleased to be able to open the new Paddy Power store in Bury St Edmunds, our first in the area. We know the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into the opening of this store, and that’s just the giant bandage!”