MANCHESTER United are coming to town! Melksham Town will mark the opening of their new stadium with a once-in-a-lifetime visit from a team of Manchester United legends.
Champions League winners Denis Irwin and David May and FA Cup winners Frank Stapleton, Sammy McIlroy and Lee Martin lead a glittering line-up of former United stars who will play at Town’s new home ground, Woolmore Farm, in October.
Town will kick off against the former United players at 4pm on Sunday 16th October, Melksham News can reveal, in what is set to be a historic day for the club and a game to remember for years to come.
Manager Darren Perrin said, “This is huge. Having legends from Manchester United – one of the biggest clubs in the world – come to play is as big as it comes. We’re so proud and excited to do this in Melksham.”
The United squad will be made up of former players David May, Denis Irwin, Lee Martin, Mike Duxbury, Clayton Blackmore, Russell Beardsmore, Peter Davenport, Andy Ritchie, Ben Thornley, Arthur Albiston, Frank Stapleton, Sammy McIlroy, Deiniol Graham, Alan McLoughlin, and Fraser Digby. Most of the players are now in their 40s and 50s.
The match will take place the day after Melksham’s first home game at the new stadium against Buckland Athletic.
The club expects the legends game to be a sell-out success.
“We’re anticipating a sell-out crowd of 2,000 people,” Darren continued. “I expect tickets to sell incredibly quickly. This is a perfect opportunity to say thank you to all our fans for all their support over the years. It’s going to be a day to remember.
“Ten years ago we couldn’t have imagined a game like this being played in a new stadium like Woolmore Farm; I’m immensely proud of how far the club has come.
“Dave Wiltshire and the committee deserve enormous credit for what they’ve done at Melksham, and this is the start of a hugely exciting new chapter for both the club and the local community.
“This game and the opening of the new stadium are going to be the biggest events Melksham Town has ever seen. We want the people of Melksham and our dedicated supporters to share them with us.
“My players are buzzing for the new season and this game will be the icing on the cake. It’ll be a tough weekend with Buckland Athletic the day before, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’re all looking forward to it immensely.”
Club chairman Dave Wiltshire said, “We are extremely grateful to the legends of Manchester United for agreeing to this game. It’s something we never ever thought was possible and we look forward to welcoming the legends to Melksham.
“Thanks also to Wiltshire Council and the Football Foundation; without them none of this would have been possible.”
Tickets will be on sale from Wednesday 3rd August on a first-come first-served basis. They can be bought from the clubhouse at The Conigre at Melksham House from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that week or until sold out. Tickets cost £12 per adult, £8 per OAP, £6 for under 16s, or £32 for a family of four. See page three for full details.
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