Matt Maher: Successful scarf search sparks whirlwind few weeks for Aston Villa fan

For Villa supporter Stewart Garratt, that has undoubtedly been the case these past few weeks.

What began as, in his own words, as a “search for a needle in the haystack” has ended with the 38-year-old from Quarry Bank becoming something of a minor celebrity at his beloved football club.

It was while making a cup of tea at work in Edgbaston last month Garratt noticed an appeal for help from fellow fan Grant Danskine, who while walking away from Villa Park after the previous night’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool had lost a 53-year-old scarf with serious sentimental value.

Garratt jumped in his car during his lunch break and drove over to Aston on the off-chance he might be able to locate the item. Remarkably, he found it hanging off some railings near Yew Tree School.