Evenwood football star does the honours at mum's workplace

A TEESDALE football star dropped in on his mum’s work to help raise money for a good cause.

Bradford City defender Tony McMahon cut the ribbon at Beaconsfield Care Home, in Barnard Castle, last Friday to mark its annual open day.

The right-back, who lives near Cockfield, was only too happy to come along when asked by his mum, Tracy, who works at the care home.

Dozens of cakes, a tombola and a “guess how many balloons are in the car” challenge raised money for the care home as part of a national campaign.

Town mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse visited the home and there were turns from dale entertainer Mark Carter as well as performances by a Doris Day impersonator.

Deputy manager Laura Langridge said the day had gone really well.

Resident Dora Smith, 90, added: “It’s fabulous – I never expected anything like this. They have excelled themselves.”

Having just returned from a holiday in Dubai, Mr McMahon said it was the first time he’d come to the home’s open day. The 31-year-old, who made 119 appearances for Middlesbrough, has played at Bradford City for the past two seasons.

His side endured cup heartbreak at Wembley, in May, narrowly losing the League One play-off final to an 85th minute goal against Millwall.

“We’d done really well – just to lose at Wembley is the worst way to lose,” said Mr McMahon.

“It was just a horrible day. We deserved to win but it just didn’t happen on the day.”

Mr McMahon’s family all made the journey to watch the final and he said it had been a “good year” on the back of his sister having a baby.

When it came to next season, he revealed he had “a few options” available.

“We’ve been in the play-offs twice and I enjoy it at the club – hopefully it will be third time lucky,” he said.

“The fans are brilliant and it’s a big club. I’ve just got back from holiday so I’ll sit down with my agent and see what happens.”