Post by glappylad on Aug 3, 2007 17:01:59 GMT 1
ONE of Altrincham's most famous supporters will grace the hallowed Moss Lane turf on September 30.
Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath is set to strut his stuff at the Robins' home ground in a charity match designed to raise money for the McGrath Foundation and the football club.
The recently retired fast bowler began following Alty after becoming friends with chairman Geoff Goodwin during the 2005 Ashes, when the Go Goodwins coach firm owner personally drove him and his Australian teammates around the country.
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After taking in Alty's preseason friendly against Bangor prior to the Old Trafford Ashes Test, many of the Aussie players have followed the Robins from afar and McGrath had no hesitation in returning.
"It's unbelievable that Glenn has decided to come and play here, and that so many other famous names have joined him," said Goodwin.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support we've had from the Aussie lads, they've been great ever since they first came down here.
"We've formed a sort of alliance with the Australian cricket team and hopefully it's one that will last for some time yet because Shaun Tait is also a big follower of the club and he's part of the future of the team."
Also taking part in the game will be McGrath's cricketing pals Darren Gough, Alec Stewart and Michael Bevan, along with former Manchester United stars Bryan Robson and Clayton Blackmore.
The McGrath XI will take on a 'soap stars' team, containing familiar faces from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Dream Team and Hollyoaks.
After the game, McGrath and Gough will be the guest speakers at a dinner at Altrincham's Cresta Court Hotel.
The event has attracted sponsorship from the Yorkshire Bank, while Virgin Atlantic have agreed to provide flights for the visiting Australians.
There has also been a £10,000 donation from a benefactor who wishes to play in the game and Goodwin eventually hopes to raise more than £60,000 to be split between the two causes.
The McGrath Foundation was set up by Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane following her struggle against breast cancer. They aim to raise funds to place more specialist breast cancer nurses in hospitals throughout Australia, while also raising awareness of the condition.
Goodwin is offering someone the chance to play on the McGrath XI through an auction.
The highest bidder will line-up alongside the cricket stars in the match on September 30.
To register a bid either phone Altrincham FC on 0161 908 3387 or Geoff Goodwin on 0161 789 4545. Bids can also be placed via the Messenger website www.messengernewspapers.co.uk There are also four tables remaining for the fundraising dinner at the Cresta Court at a cost of £1,500 for a table of ten or £150 per single ticket.
Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath is set to strut his stuff at the Robins' home ground in a charity match designed to raise money for the McGrath Foundation and the football club.
The recently retired fast bowler began following Alty after becoming friends with chairman Geoff Goodwin during the 2005 Ashes, when the Go Goodwins coach firm owner personally drove him and his Australian teammates around the country.
advertisement
After taking in Alty's preseason friendly against Bangor prior to the Old Trafford Ashes Test, many of the Aussie players have followed the Robins from afar and McGrath had no hesitation in returning.
"It's unbelievable that Glenn has decided to come and play here, and that so many other famous names have joined him," said Goodwin.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support we've had from the Aussie lads, they've been great ever since they first came down here.
"We've formed a sort of alliance with the Australian cricket team and hopefully it's one that will last for some time yet because Shaun Tait is also a big follower of the club and he's part of the future of the team."
Also taking part in the game will be McGrath's cricketing pals Darren Gough, Alec Stewart and Michael Bevan, along with former Manchester United stars Bryan Robson and Clayton Blackmore.
The McGrath XI will take on a 'soap stars' team, containing familiar faces from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Dream Team and Hollyoaks.
After the game, McGrath and Gough will be the guest speakers at a dinner at Altrincham's Cresta Court Hotel.
The event has attracted sponsorship from the Yorkshire Bank, while Virgin Atlantic have agreed to provide flights for the visiting Australians.
There has also been a £10,000 donation from a benefactor who wishes to play in the game and Goodwin eventually hopes to raise more than £60,000 to be split between the two causes.
The McGrath Foundation was set up by Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane following her struggle against breast cancer. They aim to raise funds to place more specialist breast cancer nurses in hospitals throughout Australia, while also raising awareness of the condition.
Goodwin is offering someone the chance to play on the McGrath XI through an auction.
The highest bidder will line-up alongside the cricket stars in the match on September 30.
To register a bid either phone Altrincham FC on 0161 908 3387 or Geoff Goodwin on 0161 789 4545. Bids can also be placed via the Messenger website www.messengernewspapers.co.uk There are also four tables remaining for the fundraising dinner at the Cresta Court at a cost of £1,500 for a table of ten or £150 per single ticket.