Oliver Gildart on Beckham's Childhood Letter: Why He Prayed He Wouldn't Leave United.

Childhood Letter to a Idol

According to The Sun: Oliver Gildart hopes to create his own story of glory at Old Trafford, as in his childhood he wrote a letter to his hero, David Beckham.

In the letter, he essentially noted: 'Please, please, please, don’t go.'

Oliver Gildart, who plays for the Hull KR team, is a big fan of Manchester United. When asked about the current team, he sighs sadly.

However, in 2003 he knew exactly who his hero was.

Gildart, son of rugby player Ian, who played for Wigan, spoke about his emotional letter hoping that Beckham would stay in Manchester.

'I always copied his hairstyles. Although, probably, not all of them turned out well. My mom didn’t allow me!'

'I had a light streak and long hair like him, I constantly curled it.'

'I actually wrote him a letter when he was leaving United. I was in despair.'

'I remember my mom saying that I wrote him a letter just begging him not to leave.'

Gildart recalls that his writing was not marked by literacy, but ultimately, his words didn't help.

'But Beckham was my hero. I always enjoyed watching him play. I started playing football very early, in central midfield.'

'I was really into games on Sunday, so I had to choose between football and rugby, and I chose rugby.'

Grand Final and Reunion with Friends

The grand final on Saturday against the Wigan Warriors will not only allow him to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

This match could be a chance for the Rovers team to win their third trophy after victories in the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield.

There will also be a reunion of the 2011 rugby team at Wigan's St Edmund Arrowsmith, where Gildart and Joe Burgess will meet Luke Thompson from the Warriors.

'ABSOLOUTELY BEAST'

Gildart, 29, adds: 'They were a year older than me, but I played a year up. Great times. Tommo was just as big then as he is now. Massive, just an absolute beast.'

'Joe and I are best friends off the field. Our parents live just ten minutes apart in Wigan.'

Gildart started his career at Warrior, and his last final happened in 2020 when Jack Welsby brought victory to St Helens at the last minute of the match.

'My last final was against St Helens during Covid. There were no fans, but it was an incredible game.'

'I am looking forward to a full stadium this week.'

Former Gildart's KR teammate Jared Wearnehargraves, who is retiring, received permission to play — after his three-month headbutt suspension was overturned on appeal.

Thus, Oliver Gildart has high hopes for the final, where he can impress not only his fans but also his teammates, following in the footsteps of his idol. The return to a packed stadium will also create a special atmosphere that enhances the significance of this match for the entire team.