WEST Bromwich Albion have revealed the names of the first 11 legends set to face off against a Stourbridge FC team for charity.
Baggies captain Darren “Big Dave” Moore has been putting together an all-star side ahead of the match in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice on Sunday, April 2 at the War Memorial Ground.
The players confirmed as joining Moore's team are former Scotland international and Albion captain Nigel Quashie, iconic goalscorer and hero of ‘The Great Escape’ Geoff Horsfield, former Wales international Andy Johnson, early-90’s promotion-hero Ian Hamilton, and ex-Celtic 'keeper Jonathan Gould – son of Bobby Gould and father to current Glassboys number one Matt Gould.
Also confirmed in the line-up are former Coventry and Blues frontman Dele Adebola, Danish shot-stopper Brian Jensen, Albion hardman who made more than 300 appearances for the club Daryl Burgess, Canadian international Paul Peschisolido and Baggies icon “Super” Bob Taylor.
The game, which is being held in memory of Stourbridge woman Jane Webb, will kick off at 2.30pm, with entry into the ground costing £5 for adults, and free for under 16s.
Albion legends Geoff Horsfield, Nigel Quashie, Darren "Big Dave" Moore, “Super” Bob Taylor, Daryl Burgess, Jonathan Gould, Paul Peschisolido, Dele Adebola, Brian Jensen, Andy Johnson and Ian Hamilton will play against a Stourbridge FC All-Star team. Photo: Mary Stevens Hospice
This marks the second time the charity game has been held, in April 2016 a match between the two sides raised almost £15,000 for the hospice and finished in a 1-1 draw, with Bob Taylor and Damian Whitcombe exchanging long-range goals to the delight of the 2,000-plus crowd.
Matt Webb, event organiser and Stourbridge Legends captain, said: “I can't believe how quickly a year has passed, and to be talking realistically about some of the names that are involved in the day now is just remarkable.
“When we first decided to do this last year, never in a million years did we think we'd end up with it becoming an annual event with international footballers travelling in to play and help us raise money in Mum’s memory.
“It's going to be an incredible day, and I can promise the crowd that the Stourbridge boys will give these legends the game of their careers.
“We all know how much Glassboys love a big occasion.”
The hospice and event organisers will also be putting on a big family fun day before the game, starting at 1pm.
Amanda Bowen, deputy head of fundraising at Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “What a way to start the team. We have it on good authority that this is just the beginning, so we can promise more huge names in the coming weeks.
“Watch this space, it’s shaping up to be something truly special.”
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