Holmesdale welcome stars from the past

KENT LEAGUE club Holmesdale have pulled off a major coup by arranging a friendly match between Charlton Athletic and their local rivals Crystal Palace next month, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Legends XI showdown will take place at the club’s Oakley Road ground in Bromley on Sunday, 3^rd August, kicking off at 3pm.

“Suffice to say that this is a massive game for true Addicks and Eagles alike,” Holmesdale’s commercial manager Simon Kidby told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It is unlikely that you will ever get a game with so many ex-pros with appearances for each side totalling in the thousands, not to mention an onfield appearance from Chris Coleman.”

The Legends match is being sponsored by West Malling based company Prime Events Solutions Ltd, who are experts in meeting all business event and exhibition requirements.

The Charlton Athletic Legends side will be captained by John Humphrey and will also feature the likes of John Salako, Paul Walsh, Paul Williams, Simon Webster, Bob Bolder, Alan Pardew, Paul Mortimer and Chris Powell.

The Crystal Palace Legends side will be captained by Steve Kember and will also feature the likes of Jim Cannon, Simon Rodger, Richard Shaw, Simon Osborn, Billy Gilbert, Vince Hilaire, Eric Young, Andy Woodman, Tony Finnegan and former Fulham manager Coleman.

Holmesdale, preparing for their second ever campaign as a Kent League club, are auctioning one place in each of the legends to the highest bidder and more details can be obtained via the club’s revamped website - www.holmesdalefc.co.uk. 

The Oakley Road club, in partnership with the News Shopper, will be running a FREE competition throughout July for two lucky children to become a mascot for each of the Legends teams.

“We are running a free competition with the News Shopper to identify a mascot for each side and notably we will be auctioning a place on each side via eBay in the coming weeks,” added Mr Kidby.

“Each of these initiatives being the brain child of the new commercial team at Holmesdale Football Club, Simon and Andy Kidby.”

Details of this competition will be available via the club’s website - www.holmesdalefc.co.uk