The idea that a young football fan could walk onto a sports ground and ask the goalkeeper of the English league champions for his autograph seems almost fanciful now such is the security surrounding the biggest clubs.

Yet that was the boy in these pictures was able to do on March 12, 1988 when he received a friendly tap on the head by Liverpool great Bruce Grobbelaar at the former Met Police sports club in Bushey.

A Watford Observer photographer captured Kenny Dalglish’s side training at the Aldenham Road facility two days before they travelled to Wembley to play in the FA Cup Final.

Watford Observer: Late BBC Sport correspondent Tony Gubba talking to Kenny DalglishLate BBC Sport correspondent Tony Gubba talking to Kenny Dalglish (Image: Watford Observer)

The Division One champions were huge favourites to complete the league and cup double but opponents Wimbledon had other ideas and caused one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history after winning 1-0.

Watford Observer: The Liverpool boss was preparing his side for the FA Cup Final two days laterThe Liverpool boss was preparing his side for the FA Cup Final two days later (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Bruce Grobbelaar signs an autograph for the young fan...Bruce Grobbelaar signs an autograph for the young fan... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: ...and then gives him a friendly pat on the head...and then gives him a friendly pat on the head (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The Liverpool players make their way off the sports club pitchesThe Liverpool players make their way off the sports club pitches (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Kenny Dalglish waits to get back on board the team coachKenny Dalglish waits to get back on board the team coach (Image: Watford Observer)