Swansea star JonJo Shelvey signs up to George Howard's Benefit Match

PREMIER LEAGUE footballer JonJo Shelvey heads the list of star names that will take to the pitch for George Howard’s Benefit Match.

Darren Anslow, Micky Collins and Richmond Kissi’s mobile telephones have been red hot as they enlist footballers from the professional and semi-professional game to take to the field at Coldharbour Leisure Centre in Eltham on Sunday 8 June to continue to raise funds for the 20-year-old keeper, who is critically ill in South Africa.

Nearly £10,000 has already been raised by well-wishers after a donations page was set up by friends Martin Di Fede and Aaron Burrett, both 29, semi-professional footballers for Rochester United.

Di Fede, who originally contacted www.kentishfootball.co.uk to highlight the plight of the former Charlton Athletic, Cray Wanderers, Sevenoaks Town, Bromley and Gillingham keeper, said: “I’ve been informed that George has had a good night and although whilst still in intensive care he is in a stable condition.

“Please keep your support coming in. The spirit and effort people have shown to support George has been amazing.

“Thank you so much to everyone who have been working tirelessly to raise support and donate.”

Anslow, 43, who is Cray Wanderers’ Academy manager, has been busy jointly organising the benefit match over the past couple of days.

He said: “We’re getting some big names getting involved now.

“The ball’s been rolling. It started yesterday and the phone’s been red hot with loads and loads of phone calls of people offering help or things for auction and to play.

“I’m hoping first of all to get a massive turn out for George, as many people involved in football in Kent turning out.

“We’re going to have two strong sides playing and hopefully we can have an entertaining game of football with good players on show.

“I don’t want it to be a normal pre-season game of loads and loads of changes. It’s like a good, competitive game of football. That’s what I want.

“I don’t want it to be farcical. I want it to be strong. I want it to be an entertaining game for George.  I want a top quality game that everyone who goes enjoys and hopefully puts their hands in their pockets.”

Former Millwall and Gillingham striker Collins, who goes into the new season as Sevenoaks Town’s new manager in the Southern Counties East Football League, has taken time out of his family summer holiday in France to entice some star names to take to the field.

Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Shelvey, 22, currently at Swansea City, may be joined by Charlton Athletic winger Calum Harriet, 20, which will be coups for the benefit match.

“I’ve got to say thank you to Micky Collins, who is away on holiday in France at the moment and between us and Richmond (Kissi) we’ve been working hard to speak to as many people,” said Anslow.

“We’ve been working really hard and Micky is taking time out of holidays to make phone calls with lots of players.”

Collins will take charge of the Professional XI and Anslow revealed that the side will include Simon Osborn, Andy Hessenthaler, Rob Quinn, Gareth Graham, Nicky Southall, Peter Garland, Jon Main, Shelvey, Barry Ashby, Bobby Bowry and Tommy Warrilow.

“Tommy Warrilow has been a great help for me today.  I’m waiting on confirmation for Calum Harriett and that’s in a day and a half and we’ve got another week.

“I’m still probably expecting more players to add to it.

“Not only you’ve got players who played professional, a majority of them have been involved in Kent football as well.”

Anslow will be in charge of the George Howard Kent League XI, captained by fellow fundraiser Kissi, a former team-mate of Howard at Charlton Athletic, Cray Wanderers and Sevenoaks Town.

The side will include Deren Ibrahim, Jack Parkinson, Tom Parkinson, Brendon Cass, Fraser Cronin – who has returned following a four year scholarship in America – Jordan Clark,  Stuart Zanone, Ryan Hayes and Tyrone Sterling – with many more to be added.

“I’ve got a list of players to ring up. Some have played with George and players who have done really well in the Kent League.

“I want a competitive game so people can put their hand in their pocket for George.”
 
Anslow would like to put on record everybody that has helped to raise funds for Howard and who are taking part in this football match.

“I’d like to put a thank you out to Jason Williams for providing the programme free of charge,” said Anslow.

“I did contact TalkSport. I know it’s been in the papers. I just want to get as many people to the game.

“I want the pro side to sign all the players’ shirts at the end and hold a raffle. We’re trying to sort out a facility afterwards to invite all the supporters’ and players back for a drink and for the auction.

If you’re a player who wants to take part – or provide items for the auction – please call Darren Anslow on 07411 719 339.

Richmond Kissi can be contacted on 07711 066 491.

Please donate here:  www.gofundme.com/9ktsy0

Kent Pro XI  v  George Howard Kent League XI
George Howard Benefit Match
Sunday 8 June 2014
Kick Off 1:30pm
at Coldharbour Leisure Centre, Chapel Farm Road, Eltham, London SE9 3LX