Play Alongside One Of Your Heroes

Last updated : 11 May 2005 By Brian Cartlidge
Stars past-and-present including West Brom's ex-Blues defender Darren Purse, Ricardo Scimeca, Darren Moore and ex-Baggie Cyrille Regis, Aston Villa's Gavin McCann, Charlton Athletic's former Blues midfielder Brian Hughes, ex-Blues favourite Martin Grainger and former Blues manager Trevor Francis have agreed to play in the six-a-side challenge at the Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion, on May 19th to raise money for Warwickshire cricketer Dougie Brown's benefit fund.

Each side taking part in the eight-team competition will be allocated one of the football stars which will be controlled by League referees Mike Reid and Dermot Gallagher.

The tournament will give football fans a rare opportunity to play on the main pitch at a Premiership club, to change in the first team dressing rooms and to play alongside their heroes.

Souvenir team strips will be produced for those taking part in the event which kicks-off at 1.30pm with the final scheduled to start at 6.30pm.

A limited number of places for teams of ten are available for the event and can be booked through the Dougie Brown Benefit Office on 0121 446 3645.

Spectators will be welcome on the day.

Dougie Brown is a keen football fan who played international youth football for Scotland as a goalkeeper.

He joined Warwickshire in 1990 and was a key member of the squad that won six domestic trophies in three seasons between 1993 and 1995.

He was also an ever-present in Warwickshire's Championship-winning side last season. He has played one-day international cricket for both England and Scotland.