Craig Johnston has done a fantastic job pulling together a very capable squad of former players who have amassed nearly 3,000 appearances for Reds in total. He will manage the side but, sadly, will not be able to join many of his former colleagues on the pitch because of injury.

Tony Hopper’s brother, Darren, has been invited to play for the oldies and, if available, will wear the number 8 shirt.

They will have a stronger squad than Reds with several of last season’s group unavailable for a variety of reasons – holidays, weddings and some who have now left the club. Steven Rudd and Gari Rowntree will be in charge of Reds with the latter hoping to play against his dad, Kevin.

The Legends, who will play in a navy and sky blue outfit, will rely on the following:
Ian Milburn, Keith Hunton, Nigel Dustin, Marc Green, Lee Andrews, David Hewson, Stuart Williamson, Will Varty, Mathew Henney, Craig Potts, Darren Wilson, Kevin Rowntree, Lee Hoolickin, Graham Anthony, Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison, Graham Goulding, Anthony Wright, Mark Boyd, Tony Chilton, John George, Kyle May, James Irving, John Reach and Martin Henderson.

A number of former players have also been invited to take part in a parade before the kick-off and it is hoped three stars who debuted in the fifties – Billy Robson, Bobby Brown and Noel Hodgson – will attend. Mike Rogan, Malcolm Dawes, Martin Harris, Eric Banks, Peter Foley, Kenny Wallace, Gary Messenger, Neil McDonald and several others will be there but all former players are cordially invited, even if they haven’t been contacted.

Before the match, Reds Ladies will do a lap of honour in recognition of their superb Cumberland Cup success last week.

New manager, Danny Grainger, will be at the ground getting things off to a good start by introducing his first summer signing. That will be at 1030 with supporters able to take photographs of the boss and his first recruit.

A superb souvenir brochure (£3) has been produced with the 28 page publication including some wonderful photographs of many of the players involved plus several classic Borough Park images.

After the match, The Tony Hopper Memorial Trophy will be presented to the winning team and all the players will collect an engraved memento.
Players and supporters will then be able to watch the FA Cup Final on a giant screen followed by an auction, when the match shirts will be up for grabs.

Will Vaulks, the Rotherham United skipper capped by Wales recently, offered his apologies for not being able to attend but kindly sent a pair of autographed boots which will be included in the auction.

Timetable:
1000 Junior football competition
1030 Danny Grainger to announce his first close season signing
1300 Teams will conduct their warm-up on the pitch
1320 Chairman’s address
1325 Reds Ladies lap of honour
1335 Former players introduced to the crowd
1345 The two teams take to the pitch
1400 Kick-off
1600 Presentation of the trophy and medals
1700 FA Cup Final
1900 Evening in the Tony Hopper Bar