The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Frank Mcavennie and John Macdonald took part in an Old Firm Legends game at Forfar Community Campus yesterday.
Former Celtic and Rangers players come out of retirement for charity match
Forget the burdz, it was a case of “Where’s the bridies?” when an Old Firm veteran rolled into Angus.
His exploits off the pitch made him a TV sketch show favourite.
But Frank Mcavennie let his football do the talking when he pulled his boots back on in Forfar yesterday.
Mcavennie, famed for the “where’s the burdz?” catchphrase bestowed upon him by Only an Excuse, was among a group of former Celtic and Rangers footballers going up against each other at Forfar Community Campus.
The Old Firm Legends organisation holds charity games involving former Rangers and Celtic players several times each year.
The two teams, including ex-celtic stars Rudi Vata and Derek Riordan, and former Rangers players Derek Ferguson, John Macdonald and Gary Mcswegan, were taking part in the first match of 2018.
Mcavennie said: “I’ve been doing this since I came back up the road from down south.
“I’m not as quick as I used to be but I still play six-a-sides two or three times a week.
“It’s always good fun but I always end up apologising to the ref before we go out for what’s to come for 90 minutes.”
Mcavennie was in high spirits throughout the match and enjoyed some good-natured banter with the Rangers fans as he played the role of pantomime villain.
Local punters and boys’ clubs also got a chance to share a dressing room with their heroes and play on the big day.
They included 16-year-old Arran Lyall who played in goal for Rangers.
Money raised from yesterday’s game at the multi-million-pound community campus also went towards US scholarships for local children.
George Kay from Old Firm Legends said: “Frank was a bit worse for wear during the festive period so this was a chance to blow off the cobwebs.
“Everyone enjoys playing in these games and they’ve been a real success.”
Mcavennie played as a striker for West Ham United and Celtic, having had two spells with each of these clubs.