Saints fans will get to see their heroes in action when former players compete against Warsash footballers in a fundraiser match.
Former Southampton FC players Matt Le Tissier, Steve Guppy, Rod Wallace, James Beattie, Neil Maddison, Tommy Widdrington, Jo Tessem, Franny Benali, Dave Beasant, Ian Baird, Matt Oakley, David Hughes, Gordon Watson, David Howells as well as Paul Walsh, who lives in Sarisbury Green and used to play for Portsmouth, will be taking to the pitch on August 2 in a match organised by the Jolly Farmer pub in Warsash.
Ex-saints will play Warsash footballers in charity match
James O’Grady who works at the pub and former Southampton FC player Leroy Whale have organised the event at West Hill Park School in Titchfield.
“The lads like to get together. There’s always a bit of banter around,” said Leroy, who lives in Park Gate. “The main objective is to raise money and awareness. It will be a good day. And obviously we have to got to beat James.”
James said: “It’s good because it’s a chance for kids in the area to watch their dad’s heroes. Obviously it’s great for some of the local guys that play local Sunday football to play against their heroes.
“We’re looking forward to trying to raise what we can. West Hill has been kind enough to let us use their pitch. It should be quite a successful night.
“We’ll be looking to win. The Ex-Saints take it very seriously even though they’ve stopped playing. We’ll be wearing a Pompey kit because we have players such a Paul Walsh.”
Kick-off is at 6pm, followed by a ska evening at the Jolly Farmer Pub in Fleet End Road, Warsash from 8pm.
Ska band Orange Street will be playing for free and DJ Gary King will be playing disco tunes from the 1970s and 1980s.
A raffle and auction will be held.
Funds raised will go towards the ex-Saints charity to hold a Christmas party for carers of handicapped people, as well as to the Liver and Pancreatic R&D cancer charity.
Residents have the chance to meet players at the pub after the game.
It costs £3 entry to the football match and children go free.