Coleraine FC caretaker Willie Bacon celebrated his 70th birthday with a surprise trip to see Derby County play at Pride Park. Bacon, a lifelong Derby County supporter, had never attended a match at the stadium before the visit on November 3, when he watched the side face Norwich City.

The trip was organised as a surprise gift and funded by donations from first-team players, staff, and academy staff at Coleraine FC. Although Derby County did not win the match, Bacon attended the game and returned the following day for a tour of the ground.

Coleraine FC thanked David Cavan and Dylan Kirkpatrick for arranging hospitality tickets, and Sarah Poplar and others at Derby County for their hospitality. Sarah Poplar also organised a private tour of the stadium. The trip was coordinated by Shauna Kane and Jamie Selfridge, with Selfridge accompanying Bacon over the two days.

Selfridge said the experience was memorable for the joy it brought Bacon, who he noted does a great deal for everyone at the club. He added that the trip was made possible by the generosity of many people and expressed gratitude to Derby County for their treatment of the group.