Lad and dad praised by Wire star after creating stunning model of HJ stadium

A WIRE-mad father-and-son duo have received hundreds of admirers online for their stunning replica of Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.

After the loss of his dad Des in 2020, Phil Delamere sought to continue his father’s passion for model railways with the help of his 10-year-old son Alfie.

In a fitting tribute, the Penketh pair decided to honour Des with a brand-new model railway set.

However, this model would feature much more than trains, with Halliwell Jones Stadium north stand acting as a centrepiece, not to mention the replica Costa Coffee in the garage.

The detailed replica of Halliwell Jones Stadium

The pair have been praised for their efforts by Wire star and England International winger Matty Ashton, who the pair have had the privilege of meeting.

Phil said: “If we are going to do something, let’s do it properly. All the players that Alfie watches and all the players I watched at Wilderspool gave 110 per cent, so we did the same.

“This is something me and him can do, where I can teach him stuff that he won’t learn in school. That’s what my dad did with me.

“There is a part of me that thinks it is just a load of plastic glued together that’s going to sit in our garage ultimately.

The detailed replica of Halliwell Jones Stadium

“I posted a few pictures and thought I would get the odd like, and not many comments, but then I am talking to people in the stadium on a matchday where people are coming up to me, and it is a bit surreal.”

The father-and son team have a passion for the Wire that is deep-rooted in the family, and both have great memories of supporting the club.

Phil continued: “Off the field is the one I always go back to, having the coach singing happy birthday to me in my shell suit.

“I still remember putting it on that morning, and I didn’t take it off for a week.”

The detailed replica of Halliwell Jones Stadium

Ashton is clearly a popular figure in their Penketh home, with both Phil and Alfie expressing their adulation for the winger.

Alfie said: “With his quarter-final try, he just full-on sent it into the corner and then he was on his back by the end, and he still scored it.”

His try-saving tackle on Ash Hanley at Leeds was another notable moment for Alfie, however it was Ashton who would return the praise.

In a video message, the flying winger, who was away on England duty, said: “I’ve heard about all the amazing work you have put in on the North Stand – it’s a really great effort.”

Phil Delamere and his son Alfie with Wire legend Mark Forster and current star Matty Ashton

To watch the full 20-minute interview, head to @WarringtonWolvesFoundation on YouTube, and for more updates on the project, follow @alfie_modelrail_world on Instagram.

The Warrington Wolves Foundation recognised their efforts by inviting them to the real Halliwell Jones Stadium on November 2 for the annual fireworks display.

Ben Stiff, social media manager at the foundation, said: “Phil has got Alfie involved to demonstrate to him that if you put 100 per cent effort into something, you will be rewarded.

The detailed replica of Halliwell Jones Stadium

“That is what we wanted to do, by rewarding them with a special night they will not forget at the home of Warrington Wolves.

“When your town has a powerful sporting brand at the heart of its community, it is possible to make a real difference to the lives of people in that community.

“That is what we do – change lives through the power of sport.”