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They have set up goals, taken a kicking, been shouted at and kissed. We recall some of the most memorable moments
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Cometh the 90 mins, cometh the ballboy (or girl). In recent months, the young pitch-side assistants are having something of a moment, stepping into the spotlight – or rather the floodlights – for various reasons: good, bad, ugly, bizarre.
A significant number have been praised for their quick thinking and speedy movement, having an impact on important games. There was Callum Hynes, the 15-year-old Spurs ballboy whose lightning throw to Serge Aurier resulted in an equaliser (and later, a win) against Olympiakos in November. Hynes received a hug and fist bump from José Mourinho. Continue reading...