It was May 1985 and Watford’s pop star chairman spent ages signing autographs for star struck youngsters.
He also brought precious booty. Elton gave Keith, who was retiring from the game, a gold disc of his ‘Goodbye Yellow brick Road’ album and a video cassette of his latest single.
The Gazette reported how the crowd at Bloomfield Road was superb and were rewarded by a terrific display by both teams who played at full throttle.
Watford gave Blackpool a taste of what it took to reach the top flight with a 5-2 win but Blackpool had the consolation of a magnificent goal by Alex Dyer.
Afterwards Keith Mercer tossed his boots to the crowd as a gesture of thanks for a magnificent turn out of more than 4,000.
In case you missed it:
23 Blackpool FC crowd scenes showing the highs - and lows - of watching the Seasiders back in the 80s and 90s • 19 photos of youth football teams who battled it out on the pitches in Blackpool during the noughties
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1. Elton John at Blackpool FC
Elton John sat in the Blackpool directors stand during the Keith Mercer testimonial match between Blackpool and Watford. On his right is former Arsenal boss Bertie Mee Photo: JPIMedia
2. Elton John at Blackpool FC
Looks like it could have been a tense moment at Sir Elton focuses on the game Photo: JPIMedia
4. Elton John at Blackpool FC
Keith Mercer's son Nathan on the field with his dad, possibly during the warm up Photo: JPIMedia
5. Elton John at Blackpool FC
Keith Mercer, Ken Chadwick, Sam Ellis and Elton John Photo: Submit
