A FOOTBALL fan’s battle with leukaemia has inspired a host of legendary players to unite for a charity match at his local club.

Since being diagnosed with an acute form of leukaemia last November, Paul McGeary, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has raised £8,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The 33-year-old maths teacher has almost fully recovered from the disease and has stepped up his fundraising efforts by organising a charity match at Newton Aycliffe Football Club’s ground next month.

Former Aycliffe stars such as Dan Mellanby, John Shotton, Stuart Owen, Ray Stanger and Warren Byrne have already agreed to take part and Mr McGeary is appealing for more ex-players to get involved.

The star-studded tie will see former captains Sean Tarling and John Close go head-to-head as managers and will also feature ex-players Darren Craddock, Paul Broom, Fred Woodhouse and brothers, Mark and Ben Wood.

Former chairman Gary Farley, meanwhile, will return to his old stomping ground as match referee, with Dave Hall and Michael Young as his able assistants.

Mr McGeary, the club’s former programme editor and treasurer, said: “We’ve had a tremendous response from current and former players, but we could do with a couple of more names to fill the pool.

“It should be a great occasion - Sean and John are two great guys, they were two great captains for the club and I'm sure they'll be two great managers.

"The legends game was always something that has been in the back of my mind since the club was first promoted to the Northern League but through one thing or another it never got off the ground last summer.

"With the fundraising push in mind, I decided to resurrect the idea and when I approached Sean and John they were only too happy to be involved.

"The reaction from the small group of players who I have asked to take part has been overwhelming.

"I urge anyone who has played for the club from the Wearside League season, right through to the current day to get in touch and add their name to the pool of players, regardless of whether you played one game or 100 games for the club.”

The match takes place at Moore Lane Park, the club’s ground in Newton Aycliffe, this Saturday, May 2, with kick off at 12.30pm.

Admission is by donation to the charity.

Any players interested in getting involved can contact Mr McGeary on mcgearypaul@hotmail.co.uk