Club legend Kevin Davies is looking forward to pulling on his boots again and gracing the Wanderers’ turf to help raise funds for Gethin Jones’ MND appeal.
Wanderers are hosting a special charity match on Sunday, 14 November (KO 1pm) to back the appeal in aid of Gethin’s mum Karen, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
Davies is set to play for a Wanderers’ All Stars side against Ian Evatt’s current first-team squad.
And the striker – who gave a decade of outstanding service to the Whites – is also working hard to line up a stellar cast of his former team-mates to do their bit for the cause.
“I had a message from Gethin and was more than happy to help, along with some of the old boys,” said Davies, who scored 85 goals in over 400 games for Wanderers at a special time in the club’s history.
“It’s a case of raising as much money as we can and also reading between the lines it seems some fans felt some of the players didn’t get a send-off at the time, so it will be great to get them all back together.
“It’s a good excuse to get fit again. And from a player’s perspective it will be great to see everyone again.
“I’ve moved away from the area but it’s always nice to come back and see some familiar faces.
“All of my family is going to come up. The kids grew up around the club so it will be good for them to come back.
“To get back on the pitch again will be lovely and I’m sure it’s the same for all the other players.
“I’ve said it time and time again. The likes of Campo and Stelios have played at such a high level and won so many trophies and still have such a love for the club.”
Davies has been in touch with the likes of Ivan Campo, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Jay-Jay Okocha, Henrik Pedersen, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Nolan, Gudni Bergsson and Ricardo Gardner – all part of a golden generation who helped Sam Allardyce’s team become a Premier League force after the turn of the millenium – to see if they are able to play.
Davies has had plenty of positive responses, while Wanderers are also making contact with former players to try and assemble a squad of fan favourites – with a definitive line-up to be confirmed nearer the day.
And Davies is backing the Wanderers’ support to turn out in force to help the family of one of their current players in Jones, who is playing his part in a resurgence at the University of Bolton Stadium.
“I am sure everyone will get behind it,” added Davies, 44, who ended his epic stay with Wanderers in 2013.
“We all know where the club has been in the last two or three years and it seems like with Sharon (Brittan) and the manager that everyone is aligned and it feels like the club is getting back together with the fans and the reconnection seems there, which is great.
“The team is doing well and there’s a good feel around the place.
“I think the timing is right for everyone to come back.
“It will be a great occasion. We will try and put on a show but it’s all about raising money for Gethin and his mother. That’s what it’s all about.”
The Jones family launched an appeal after Karen, 56, was diagnosed with MND in July.
With no current cure for the condition, the family is aiming to raise funds to cover costs for treatment in the United States and future care – as well as research into MND through the Darby Rimmer Foundation, co-founded by former Bolton defender Stephen Darby.
Tickets for the match, costing £10 and £5, are available to buy HERE
Wanderers are also hosting a special black-tie charity dinner in aid of the appeal in the Lion of Vienna suite at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday, 13 November (from 7pm).
Tables of 10 will cost £750 or £75 per person and are bookable via the Bolton Whites Hotel sales team on 01204 673610 and events@boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk