Peter Blondel tackles Alan Kennedy. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0635876)
AS THE Liverpool Legends prepared for yesterday’s encounter against their Guernsey counterparts, there was a joint feeling of the pleasure of helping local charities.
All the proceeds from last night’s match at the Track went to the Guernsey Cheshire Home, as did money from an auction held on Sunday night.
One of the biggest stars on show was former England international John Barnes, who scored for his country against Brazil in the Maracana Stadium with a goal that is regarded as one of the greatest by an England player.
Now a presenter on Channel Five, he is one of the players who features less in the Legends’ colours.
‘I have played in only a couple of the games this year because of other commitments,’ he said. ‘We had a great time in Guernsey last year, although we were surprised a bit at the start [when they trailed Bels 4-0]. We have been doing these games for the last 10 years or so, so we all know each other really well.’
Another on show was Howard Gayle, who was the first black player to represent the Anfield club.
He believes the Liverpool upbringing is the reason for the way that the stars can easily be approached.
‘At Liverpool, we were taught to be very humble. I don’t think supporters can believe how they can just come up to us and have a chat and get an autograph.
‘It is brilliant in these matches to go away knowing you have done something for a worthwhile cause.’
The LFC Former Players Association chairman and the assistant manager for the trip to Guernsey is David Johnson, who was part of the all-conquering Liverpool sides of the 1970s and 80s.
He said that the charitable nature would see the players jumping at the opportunity to play.
‘If we are invited for a charity match, you will not need to ask the boys twice. Wherever we go, we leave some good behind.’
He also thought that Guernsey was a great place to play.
‘It is the second time we have been here and the hospitality has been amazing. We would not have come back again if we didn’t like it the first time.’
One of the players not on show from last year was legendary goalscorer Ian Rush, although Johnson joked that it was not a big issue.
‘Rushie will be as much use this year as he was last year, and he’s not even here.’
A substantial amount of money was raised for the charity through the auction held at the dinner on Sunday night, although the exact amount is unknown yet.
Items under the hammer included signed shirts from Pele, Diego Maradona, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Article posted on 9th September, 2008 - 2.29pm
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