The Legends - England v Ireland - Fry's English Delight

Fry’s English Delight!

Former Birmingham City, Peterborough, Southend and Barnet Manager Barry Fry has spoken of his delight at being named Manager of The England Legends for their game against Ireland at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Thursday evening.

Fry, who steps into the shoes of former Legends boss Peter Reid, takes charge of a 16-man England Legends squad that faces their Ireland counterparts live on ITV4 for The Johnny Haynes Cup. He commented: “It is the dream of every Englishman to take the reigns of his national team and while Mr. Capello might have the top job, this one’s not far behind. I never thought I’d have the chance to field a team that includes names like Robson, Walker, Merson, Woods, Le Saux, Winterburn, Sharpe and Parlour. This is proper fantasy football! I know that England expects, but I think I am the man to deliver the dreams of a nation and really get country buzzing before the boys take on Kazakhstan at the weekend.”

Fry takes charge of an England Legends squad that earned 395 international caps and scored 39 goals. The England Legends have lifted 15 titles, 18 FA Cups, 11 League Cups, two European Cups and five European Cup Winners Cups. Fry faces Ireland Player/Manager Niall Quinn whose 15-man squad has earned 549 international caps and scored 66 goals, lifted three FA Cups and two European Cup Winners Cups.

Physically, the Irish Legends have the edge, their average age is 42 compared and England’s almost 43. Dermot Gallagher, who, over a 15-year Premier League career, officiated at 378 games, will referee the match.

The Legends: England v Republic of Ireland is the third game in The 2008 Legends Series. The England Legends beat their Scottish counterparts 2-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium Southampton on Thursday May 15th before losing 5-1 to Germany at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane.

Tickets for The Legends: England v Ireland are £14 for adults (over 16) and £8 for OAPs/Students, plus booking fee and available from Fulham Football Club’s Box Office on 0870 442 1234. Transmission for The Legends: England v Ireland will begin at 7pm. All Legends football games operate a ‘Kid-A-Quid’ scheme; all children under 16 will gain entry to The Legends for just £1.

/ENDS/

Current teams
at Tuesday October 7th 2008 1535 GMT

Chris Woods
Nigel Winterburn
Graeme Le Saux
Des Walker
Steve Hodge
Mark Wright
Bryan Robson
Ray Parlour
Paul Merson
Lee Sharpe
Andy Sinton
Paul Walsh
Rob Lee
Luther Blissett

Kelham O'Hanlon
Curtis Fleming
Denis Irwin
Kenny Cunningham
Liam O'Brien
Alan Kernaghan
Jason McAteer
Owen Coyle
Frank Stapleton
Niall Quinn
Alan McGloughlin
Mark Kinsellla
John Byrne
David Kelly
Eddie McGoldrck