MORAY FOOTBALL FANS have pulled together a galaxy of stars for a special dinner and challenge match that they hope will raise thousands for charitable causes.
Legends of the game including Colin Hendry, Darren Anderton and Marco Negri will take to Elgin’s Borough Briggs in a tribute match to former Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen, who is terminally ill with motor neuron disease (MND).
The game has been organised by a group of Moray football supporters who were inspired by the plight of the Ibrox legend and the death last year of one of their friends, Richard ‘Ricker’ McIntosh.
Football fans from throughout the world have been rallying around Ricksen and his family, raising thousands of pounds – much of which is being donated to charities helping support and fight MND.
One of the organisers of the Moray event, Stuart Whyte, said that they wanted to do something and were fortunate to have links to Ibrox that helped to arrange the fixture, which will see a Rangers side take on a ‘Legends II’ led by former Tottenham and England star Darren Anderton.
Mr Whyte told the P&J: “Our friend Richard McIntosh, who was known as Ricker, died on Christmas Eve last year and his wife and children have given us permission to use his name for the trophy.
“Ricker was hugely into football and this is just the sort of tribute he would have wanted. We are really pleased so many well-known players have agreed to take part.”
Also expecting to turn out for the game is former Celtic and Scotland international Tom Boyd, goalkeeper Andy Goram and central defender Dave McPherson. Places in the side are also being made available to members of the public who can bid for the right to line up alongside the legends.
Tickets went on sale earlier this week for the game on September 20. The previous evening there is a sportsman’s dinner at the function suite at Borough Briggs.
Tickets for both events are available now from the 1629 restaurant in Lossiemouth, Mills Hotel in Buckie, Cottar Hoose pub in Elgin, Ugie House in Keith and Fraser Brothers butcher in Forres.