Newcastle entertainers game just hours away…
Newcastle Legends will tackle a Manchester Select XI marking 20 years since that glorious 5-0 win.
With just hours to go, a selection of footy legends are lacing their boots ready to mark 20 years since a glorious 5-0 win.
Magpies greats Faustino Asprilla and Keith Gillespie we’re latest to sign up, relishing the chance to roll back the years as Newcastle Legends tackle a Manchester Select XI at Kingston Park Stadium.
The 1.30pm kick-off marks 20 years since Newcastle United's Entertainers defeated Manchester United 5-0, former stars reuniting for a match which will raise funds for the Alan Shearer Foundation.
Shearer will manage a star-studded Newcastle side against Gillespie's Manchester outfit, Asprilla joking: “That probably means we have already lost!"
The iconic Colombian is among the many star draws for a match which is already proving to be a crowd puller, Asprilla saying: “It’s always great to be back in Newcastle because I have such fantastic memories of my time here.
"I try to get back every year if I can. I always feel at home when I’m here, the people are so loving towards me. They show me great respect, and I try to show that respect back.
“It’s always great to be able to play in front of the fans again. It’s nice to get that chance. I always try hard, and it’s a mutual thing – I feel as happy as they feel to see me on the pitch."
Gillespie, who played for both Newcastle United and Manchester United, joked: "I'm going to stay as far away as possible from the Newcastle dug-out in case Alan Shearer whacks me one!
“It will be a fun day, that's for sure. I'm fortunate I played for both clubs but we play various games. I've been out to the Far East with Man United quite a bit playing in Thailand and Singapore, as well as South Africa and places like that.
“I didn't play many times for them but I'm fortunate to be connected with the club so I can go and do that and catch up with people I haven't seen in a while. We have a laugh but for 90 minutes we give it our all. It's nice off the pitch to catch up though."
Other Newcastle players confirmed for the game include Peter Beardsley, Rob Lee, Temuri Ketsbaia, Darren Peacock, Lee Clark, Steve Harper, Nikos Dabizas, Brian Kilcline, Steve Howey and John Beresford, among others.