Pollok v Arthurlie Legends prepare to renew old rivalries for charity

Sep 6 2012 By Fraser Wilson

SOME of the greatest players to grace junior football in Glasgow will roll back the years as the fifth annual 'Legends' match between Pollok and Arthurlie takes place on Sunday.

Lok diehards will get the chance to reminisce in past glories as icons including 116-goal striker Bryan Dingwall, goalkeeper Ian Wilson and Newlandsfield Park favourite Derek Heaton take the park for the annual Eric Hickey Charity Shield.

And they'll be able to renew old rivalries as lining up in the sky blue Lie shirts will be stars of the not so distant past including Colin Lindsey, Alan Shields, Martin McGarvey and Stevie Convery.

Taking charge of the home side will be a true Pollok legend - Frannie McNeill - who has been involved with the club since playing there in the early 70s.

McNeill also had a short spell with Arthurlie and there's nobody better placed to understand the friendly rivalry which exists between the two clubs.

And he said: "It should be another cracking occasion and hopefully we get a nice day and a good crowd.

"I was speaking to wee Bryan Dingwall (pictured) the other day and he was telling me he can't wait to get back out there. He's still in good shape and will be desperate to bang in a goal or two against our old rivals.

"We've actually got a lot of net busters in our squad with John Paisley and Robert Downs in there. It's a cracking looking side.

"But I just hope we get a few goals and a big crowd because it's charity that matters at the end of the day."

Pollok currently hold the upper hand in what is a fiercely contested game as, after losing 4-3 in 2008 then drawing 4-4 the following year, they have won the last two matches 3-2 and 3-1.

Former Grade 1 whistler John Rowbothom has agreed to join in the fun this year and take charge of the match which will raise cash for four charities: The Physical Disability Rehabilitation Unit, Southern General Hospital, Action for ME, Yorkhill Hospital, and Nordoff-Robins.

The legends game was born out of a love for football and the chance to see some of the greatest players in the recent times of Pollok and Arthurlie strut their stuff one more time. The initial response to the idea to stage the game was such that it was decided to make it a charity event that would be held every two years for a shield named in honor of the much loved Barrhead businessman Eric Hickey who had recently passed away.

After the first game the players decided that two years was too long to wait thus its not played annually. The teams are made up of ex-players of both clubs who are over 35 and played for the respective clubs for two years, there are also a number of guest players who had enjoyed the match over the last four years including Gus McPherson, Tommy Sheridan, Jim Murphy, as well as supporters of both sides.

The game takes place on Sunday, September 9, at Newlandsfield Park, Shawlands, kick-off 3pm, full details can be found on

www.thelegends.org.uk

Pollok

Managers: Franny McNeill & Michael Welsh

Team from:

Ian Wilson
Robert Anderson
Ian Ashcroft
Kevin O’Neill
Derek Heaton
Sammy Johnston
Billy Ferguson
Joe Byres
John Paisley
Steve Easton
Sean Bonar
Alan Grainger
Robert Downs
Bryan Dingwall
Joe Carruth
Ker Corbett (Guest)
Martin Donnelly (Guest)

Arthurlie

Managers: Michelle Evans & Willie Young

Team from:

Alan Donohoe
Gavin Duncan
Roland Fabiani
Ged Gardiner
Alan Shields
Stuart Allison
Colin Lindsey
Kenny Gillies
Mick Fallon
Lee Martin
Martin McGarvey
Alan Jack
John Jack
Steven Convery
David McKenzie
Jimmy Creaney
Alan McQuade
Alan Waddle
Neil McGettigan (Guest)