IT’S not every week that a squad boasting full internationals as well as Champions League winners rocks up at a non-league stadium in Tameside.
But that’s exactly what’s happening at Stalybridge Celtic next weekend.
A former Manchester United players’ XI will be gracing the Bower Fold turf to take on a team of Stalybridge Celtic legends on Sunday, October 6, with kick-off at 2pm.
Among the ex-United stars who have now been confirmed to be part of the squad include Wes Brown, Nick Culkin, Russell Beardsmore, Danny Pugh, Chris Casper, David May, Luke Chadwick, Phil Bardsley, Keith Gillespie, Danny Simpson, Lee Trundle and Phil Marsh.
The group has extensive experience of winning trophies from their playing days – including the FA Cup, EFL Championship, League Cup, Community Shield, FA Youth Cup, European Super Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Celtic, who will be managed on the day by the club’s legendary former boss Phil Wilson, have already announced that their squad will include Matty McNeil, Steve ‘Syd’ Pickford, Karl Marginson, Tony Sullivan, Dominic Crookes, Mark Burrell and Martin Filson.
More former players from both sides will be confirmed in the coming days.
The match will also be supporting Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which helps patients with life-limiting illnesses across Tameside and Glossop. There will be stalls and donation buckets on the day, as well as a potential appearance from the hospice’s mascot Woody.
Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to link up with Stalybridge Celtic and appreciate the club’s ongoing support.
“Football clubs are embedded within the fabric of our community. This weekend’s exciting game is a fantastic opportunity for us to help raise awareness of the many services the Hospice provides and that the generosity of the public is vital for us to keep running.
“We hope as many people as possible can attend on Sunday and that we can continue our partnership with the brilliant team at Stalybridge Celtic moving forward.”
Stalybridge Celtic’s Commercial Director Steve Dewsnip added: “The team at Willow Wood Hospice do a fantastic job and have touched the lives of so many people throughout Tameside in a positive way over the last 25 years.
“By bringing exciting events such as the Legends game this coming weekend to Tameside, we are trying to do exactly the same and so it made perfect sense to invite Willow Wood to be our charity partner for this game.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Willow Wood and look forward to collaborating on further community initiatives in the future.”
Tickets for the match are in demand but still available to buy online at https://www.stalyceltictickets.co.uk/event/stalybridge-celtic-legends-xi-vs-manchester-unit-5iw14p
The Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Manchester United will also be screened in Stalybridge Celtic’s matchday supporters bar in Grays Now.
Details about sponsorship opportunities for the match can be obtained by contacting the club’s Commercial Director, Steve Dewsnip, on 07956 780 437 or at commercial@stalycelticfc.co.uk