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Man Utd legend David Beckham misses Dover Athletic players because they were trying to find the toilet

Dover players missed the chance to meet sporting superstar David Beckham - because they were busy looking for a toilet.

Whites were the opponents for Beckham's first appearance at Salford's Moor Lane home since becoming a co-owner of the club.

The Manchester United and England legend asked if he could visit the away dressing room - and Dover were only too pleased to welcome him.

Dover kitman Richard Harvey with Man United and England legend David Beckham
Dover kitman Richard Harvey with Man United and England legend David Beckham

It was a special moment but some Whites players were cursing their luck after missing the opportunity to meet the former Three Lions captain.

Kitman Richard Harvey, who answered a knock on the changing-room door, said: "Beckham said hello and asked if it was all right if he came in.

"He was a really nice guy. He shook every player's hand, although a few missed it because they'd gone looking for a toilet where there was only one in the changing room!

"Inih Effiong was one who missed him."

Beckham, accompanied by former Manchester United team-mate and fellow co-owner Phil Neville, spent time talking to Harvey.

The Whites kitman will treasure their meeting.

He said: "It's unreal when you think about it.

"I knew on Friday he was going to be there but I didn't think I'd get to meet him. It's surreal.

"There was a film crew following him around for a documentary and he had a chat for a couple of minutes but it seemed like an eternity.

Richard Harvey meets David Beckham and Phil Neville
Richard Harvey meets David Beckham and Phil Neville

"He asked how the trip up was and said it's a tough league and there's some good footballers in it.

"He knew what he was talking about.

"He said it was an absolute delight to be involved.

"You can tell he's genuine. He's not in it for the PR or the money, he's doing it for the love of Salford. I think it's brilliant.

"People live for days like that. It's really surreal.

"You see in the mainstream media, everybody was there, you look at the papers and it's Beckham and Dover, which is something you never thought you'd be involved in.

"I'm sure he'll get to games as and when he can because he's got that role to play now and he loves being part of the community.

Dover kitman Richard Harvey shows David Beckham into the Dover dressing room
Dover kitman Richard Harvey shows David Beckham into the Dover dressing room

"He was having photos taken with everybody.

"He didn't walk past people. He took the time and I think that's really nice because you don't see much of that nowadays.

"He's one of the biggest celebrities in the world and that's what gets me, to have a couple of minutes with him and shake his hand, it's something I'll never forget. He's a sporting icon."

Dover won the game 3-1, moving out of the National League relegation zone in the process.

Harvey added: "It really helped Dover as a club because everyone was so focused on Beckham, not Dover, so it took the pressure off us. We focused on what we had to do."

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