Legends raring to go for Joe
JOE Thompson fully expects a few blood and thunder challenges when he lines up alongside his old Rochdale team-mates at the Crown Oil Arena tomorrow.
The 30-year-old’s testimonial game kicks off at 2pm when a team of Dale All Stars take on a Celebrity XI, with Joe donating some of the proceeds from the match to The
Joe has taken a wellearned rest over the last few months but insists he’s fit enough for tomorrow’s exertions. all together in six or seven
“I’ve been playing fivea-side, weeks and it’s something I but to be honest I would love to do annually. needed a rest,” he admitted. “We’ve managed to do “I was burnt out having okay this time round, but pushed myself as far with a little bit more time as I could go and it was a and preparation I think we case of listening to the could really nail it, get more specialists. It’s good staying kids and young adults active, getting to the involved, even if it’s just a gym, but I don’t think professional photo with Mark Wright or football, day in, one of the guys off Love day out, was what I should Island. That’s who they have been doing any aspire to be, they are the more. So you bow out poster boys for a generation. gracefully and move on. So it’s a unique opportunity But I’ll be alright for Sunday, to bring together lots I’ll be good to go!” of people from all walks of
Asked what he was personally life all for a great cause. hoping for from the “I can’t say enough day, Joe said it was an thank yous, I will never be opportunity to say thank able to repay the debt – you and goodbye to the supporters but if I can give something – though he’ll be back in any way then I will taking in games regularly do my best.” next season as a spectator – Admission prices for but first and foremost the the benefit match, to be occasion is all about raising played at the Crown Oil awareness of the fine work Arena, are as follows: undertaken by The Christie Adults - £10, Concessions and ensuring their work (65+ and 21 and under) £5, does not go unnoticed. 11 and under - £1
“I’m hoping to just Tickets can be purchased make memories,” he said. online at www.rafctickets.co.uk, “I don’t know if Mark in person Wright, Fabrice Muamba at the Dale Ticket Office or and Joleon Lescott have by calling 0844 826 1907 ever been on a football (option 8). The Main pitch at the same time Stand and Smith Metals before! It’s brilliant that Family Stand will be open I’ve been able to bring it for the fixture. Published by MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, OL9 8EF. Printed by Reach Printing Services (Oldham) Limited, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EB Christie, the hospital which played such a pivotal role in helping the popular forward fight off cancer on two occasions.
And while he admitted the demands of professional football had become too much, prompting his retirement earlier this year, he is eagerly looking forward to this weekend’s clash. And he’s not the only one!
“The one thing I had not really factored in to all of this is how much the lads are looking forward to the game!” said Joe. “I had a text from Gary Jones this week saying how much he was buzzing for it and I spoke to Adam Rundle who was saying it’s the first time his little boy has had the chance to see him play.
“The team I played in have all gone in different directions and we don’t get together as much as we should - but no one will be late, I know that! They’ll all want to turn up and have a little bit of banter before the game and I’m sure once the match has kicked off – I know it’s for charity – but I think one or two might just take it a bit too serious! It’s ingrained into us. It will be a case of ‘all the best, mate’ then game on!”