Pavel Srnicek Cup just a few days away
Former NUFC players will take on a celeb and media team
Friends and former colleagues of dearly departed ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper, Pavel Srnicek, come together on the day of the European Championship final in his memory at the inaugural Pavel Srnicek Charity Cup.
The game, which will take place at Dunston UTS’ stadium will see a Newcastle United XI take on a Media/Celebs XI in aid of local charity St. Oswald’s Hospice.
Pavel made a big name for himself during his time with the Magpies in the early nineties and, although the terms hero, legend etc., are pushed about often these days, in the big man’s case, and all of the Toon Army, he was their legend, their hero, he was, in essence, a Geordie.
Players who starred alongside Pavel will be pulling on the jersey again in his memory – Steve Harper, Nobby Solano, Keith Gillespie and Steve Howey will all play for a Newcastle Select which will be managed by former Newcastle and Hartlepool striker, Joe Allon.
They’ll be joined by other former Newcastle players in John Anderson, Alan Shoulder, Jamie McClen and Richard Offiong to name a few. Close friend Lorenzo, who along with Natalie Hubbard, Steve Wraith and his former colleagues, travelled to Prague late last year for Pav’s send-off.
Manager Joe Allon said of the honour to manage a squad on such an occasion that:
“I would have loved to have played however, with my retirement being through injury I can’t even do charity games.
It’s certainly nice to be asked to be involved though and it should be an emotional day for such a fantastic cause. I know ticket sales are going well so fans, dig deep and don’t miss out.
As for Pav, well he’s a great man and we become close friends on the after-dinner circuit where I got to know him, Lorenzo, Denis and Tom very well.
Those lads, and his former colleagues, appearing on the day, is amazing; there’s some seasoned internationals on my squad who are more experienced than me and it’s just great that they can come together in a game like this.
It’s also going to be amazing to see Jackie (Charlton) on the night, after all he gave me my first team debut for Newcastle United (back in 1984).”
On the other side of the half-way line the likes of Sky Sports’ Pete Graves and Metro Radio's Micky Welch will line up with former Dunston stars Andy Clarke, Steve Preen, David Southern and striker extraordinaire, Andrew Bulford, all former winners of the FA Vase.
For St Oswald’s the opportunity is a dream come true and they are grasping it with both hands. Shops around the region have been decked out to commemorate not only the ongoing Euros, but also the Charity Cup.
Siobhan Sargeant, Senior Corporate Fundraiser for St Oswald’s said:
“We are really looking forward to the Pavel Cup; it’s really exciting to see some local heroes back on the pitch!
Nobby Solano has always been a favourite player of mine so it will be great to see him in action again. Our Dunston furniture shop has been supporting the event locally and there is a real buzz within the Dunston community from residents and businesses alike.
As a hospice, we were looking forward to welcoming Pavel Srnicek as an ambassador of St Oswald’s. We were saddened to hear of his death, but this event is a fitting tribute to a real local legend and we are proud to be the beneficiaries of the day.”
Tickets for the inaugural Pavel Srnicek Charity Cup, in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice and the Srnicek Family takes place at the UTS Stadium, Dunston, on July 10 are available now from Legends Events priced at £7.50 for Adults and £3.00 for Children & OAP’s. And you'll be able to buy them on the door.