Never mind the Champions’ League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, or the so called richest game in world football, the English Championship play-off final between Aston Villa and Fulham, the real action on Saturday will be taking place at Ainslie Park, home of the Spartans.
All lovers of the beautiful game will be made welcome but Hibs’ fans in particular will have the chance to watch their heroes from yesteryear showing off their talent, and whilst the legs may be a bit slower, the skills that lit up Easter Road are still guaranteed to be there.
Two teams managed by Hibernian Hall of Fame legends Pat Stanton and Jimmy O’Rourke will face each other in a game to raise awareness of Garry O’Connor’s Second Chance Football Academy with money raised going to a number of local charities including CBIT The Child Brain Injury Trust and Spartans Community Football Academy.
Garry will be joined on the pitch by a number of his former team mates from the ‘golden generation’ such as Derek Riordan, Ian Murray, Tam McManus, and Jamie McLuskey.
In addition Jimmy Boco is flying in from France and Alan Orman will be coming from Austria to take part in this worthwhile event.
Skol/League Cup winner Mickey Weir will also be involved as will Kevin Harper and Scott Bannerman from the Alex Miller era.
Famous Five legend Willie Ormond’s grandson will also take part and the number 11 jersey has been made available for him.
Fans can also buy raffle tickets with the chance to win match footballs, spa days, golf days, champagne, wine and much more and take part in a ‘beat the goalie’ competition.
There will also be an opportunity for sponsors to meet the players and afterwards, there will be a question and answer session to round off what is sure to be day to remember.
Doors open at 2pm for a 3pm kick off. Fans can pay at the gate and entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and OAPs.
Tickets are going fast so get there in plenty time.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
