Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
It’s time for the big kick-off
Come along and support the teams for this great cause
Old Firm legends Graeme Souness and Neil Lennon have issued a rallying call to the residents of Monklands: “St Andrew’s Hospice needs you!”
The former Rangers and Celtic bosses will spearhead an all- star line- up at the Excelsior on Saturday in the Advertiser’s highlyanticipated charity match.
The waiting is almost over as the Advertiser gears up for our much-anticipated charity football match in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice.
Pre-match nerves are at fever pitch as the final touches are being made to tactical switches and stirring team-talks ahead of the Hospice Heroes v Advertiser Allstars clash at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium on Saturday.
Scottish football’s biggest names will share the hallowed turf with some of the country’s finest acting and sporting talent to help raise funds for the hospice’s refurbishment capital appeal.
Old Firm legends Graeme Souness, Ally McCoist, Neil Lennon, Rab Douglas, Joe Miller and Alex Rae will line up alongside River City’s Stephen Purdon, Stephen McCole and Jordan Young, Taggart star Colin McCredie, Outlander’s Scott Kyle and Still Game’s Scott “Methadone Mick” Reid.
The star-studded big game will also be a homecoming for ex-Airdrieonians stars John Martin, Sandy Stewart, Bryan Prunty, Brian McPhee and Stephen Docherty.
Those involved might want to stay clear of Airdrie MMA fighter Paul “Bearjew” Craig who will also be taking to the field, alongside fellow hometown hero – and newly inducted member of North Lanarkshire’s sporting hall of fame – Pauline Hamill.
Alongside them will be Mark Dallas and Chris Toal of Insane Championship Wrestling and actors Scott Kyle (Outlander), Robin Laing (Band of Brothers), Rab Buchanan (Gregory’s Girl) and Kevin Guthrie (Sunshine on Leith).
A whole host of excellent entertainment and sensational surprises will be on offer in what is sure to be a fantastic day of family fun.
Tickets for the fabulous fundraiser are still on sale and while the game itself doesn’t kick off until 1pm, gates open at 11.30am and everyone coming along is advised to arrive by 12pm to enjoy some top-class pre-match entertainment.
Iconic bakery Tunnock’s will kindly be supplying a delicious free Teacake for every lucky spectator to tuck into ahead of the on-field action.
The crowd is sure to be moving from Side to Side when Britain’s hottest Ariana Grande tribute act, The Ariana Grande Experience, belts out some of the world-famous American singer’s biggest and best hits.
Former Rangers gaffer and Sky Sports pundit Souness was the first to sign up for Saturday’s extravaganza, saying: “St Andrew’s Hospice provided end of life care to the wife of one of my close friends and the team there were very supportive to his family at an extremely difficult time.
“I’d really like to see as many people as possible come along on Saturday so that we can raise a lot of money for a fantastic facility.”
Tickets, priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, are available online at www.st-andrewshospice.com/event/starcharity2-june-2018/ or from the hospice, Morrisons in Airdrie, Asda in Coatbridge, Tesco in both towns, Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie venues Albert Bar on Clark Street, Airdrie Workingmen’s Club on Broomknoll Street, Kandy Land on Hallcraig Street, Airdrie Card Shop on Graham Street, West End Bar on Alexander Street and Four Isles Bar on Varnsdorf Way, plus Coatbridge outlet Winning Awards on St John Street in the town centre. Spectators can also pay at the gate.