Memories of almost twenty years ago will come flooding back to supporters of Hednesford Town Football Club when a footballing legend attends a speaking engagement for the club at Keys Park Stadium on Thursday 27th October 2016.
The former England and Manchester United captain and ex Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson, will be at Keys Park to recall the day of Saturday, January 25th 1997 when little Hednesford shook big spending Boro in a dramatic 4th round FA cup tie at the Riverside Stadium. Robson’s side included many of their multi-million pound signings, such as Juninho, Ravanelli, Emerson, Festa and Beck that day. The game was only decided in the final few minutes as Hednesford shocked the 27,511 crowd when Joe O’ Connor gave Town an early lead.
The game was originally drawn with Hednesford as the home team, but a switch to the North East was agreed. The result ended with a 3 – 2 win for the Boro, but Town’s two goal striker Joe O’ Connor was the talk of the country that weekend as the match was shown across the country via ‘Match of The Day’.
Hednesford Town General Manager Carl Cooper, said:
“We are so thrilled to have such a football giant with us in October. Bryan Robson is regarded as one of the finest leaders in the game and his legacy at clubs like Manchester United, West Brom and leading England will always live on.
“His fantastic work with the Boro in bringing in some of the best players from across the globe with Chairman Steve Gibson is where our club has this mighty connection. Still to this day people talk about that game almost 20 years ago and we wanted to mark the anniversary by inviting Bryan to speak with us about that memorable day.
“We have only put the three course dinner event on sale today and already we have sold several full tables, so feel we are on course for a big house which will help generate funds for the club. Bryan Robson is a massive name in world football and we are thrilled that he will be spending this very special evening of memories with us.”
The former England captain, now working as a Global Ambassador for Manchester United, is looking forward to the visit in October.
He said:
“That was a fantastic match and Hednesford were superb that day. They had an incredible team spirit, they scored really early on and then late in the game to make the 90 minutes very uncomfortable for us.
“I always appreciated battlers on the pitch and that day almost 20 years ago the lads from Hednesford gave absolutely everything. Our extra class and fitness proved to be the key – Fjortoft and Ravanelli scored two late goals in the game – but Joe O’ Connor came back after that and scored for them just ahead of the final whistle – it was an incredible FA Cup tie.
“I am very much looking forward to meeting the people from the town and can promise them lots more as I remember some of the fantastic players and memories I have collected along the way during my many years in the game.”
The event takes on October 27th from 7pm and will include Bryan Robson being interviewed by BBC Tees radio presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough. There will also be a chance to question the football great about his long and illustrious career
Tables (including three course dinner) are priced £40 each or a table of ten at £375.
To book call Carl Cooper on 07880757775 or 01543 422870
*Image courtesy of Bryan Robson/Manchester United/Twitter
