This from Radcliffe Boro’s website:
‘Yes we have albeit for one game, but the club have hopefully secured the services of Paul Gascoigne & Bryan Robson to guest for us in the forthcoming friendly against Manchester United on Saturday the 24th July.
‘Chairman Bernard Manning explained ‘Kevin initially contacted Paul’s agent after speaking to Stan Ternant, following on from that my dad made contact with Paul who agreed to play in the game against Manchester United. He is currently on a book signing tour and has promised us he will play at the end of that, so we are very optimistic and are due to talk again to Paul at the end of this week to confirm and organise any requirements he needs’
’The appearance of both players on the Stainton Park pitch will be an unbelievable occasion. Both players are renowned throughout the world for their footballing ability; both of course are internationals and are two of the greatest players the country has ever produced. On the appearance of Bryan Robson the chairman added ‘Bryan has involved himself in many activities at the club and was the guest of honour at our golf day 2 years ago. Bernard further added ‘Phil Black a friend of Bryan’s and mine spoke to Brian and told him about the game and he said he would also like to play alongside Gazza, so that’s how it all came about’
‘The appearance of both players and the fact the game is against Manchester United should create an all time record attendance at the club, as it will no doubt provide enormous interest among supporters of all football clubs. Already the press, television and radio are interested in covering the game. Both Paul and Bryan are aware the game is to raise funds for this forthcoming season and the club ground development scheme. Manager Kevin Glendon said ‘To name Gazza and Bryan in my team will be an unreal experience and as for my team talk, I think I will just say give the ball to them and they will do the rest. In the dugout I will just sit back and watch two of the worlds greatest ever players perform. The experience our players will get from it will be something they hopefully will never forget’
‘As you can see’ explained the chairman ‘the excitement it has generated is frightening from just this first press release. We now need to confirm with both Paul and Bryan at the end of this week and then if nothing has changed, we need to make all the necessary arrangements for this once in a lifetime appearance of two world class players at Stainton Park’
’The club will make an official announcement regarding the above on Saturday 17th July’