2003 legends ready for Inver return

Jan 24, 2020 | Archive

Larne Legends make a return to the pitch this Sunday, 26th January as they take on Northern Ireland Veterans at Inver Park.

Taking to the field, members of Tommy Kincaid’s promotion winning side from 2003 will be representing the Larne Legends, which will promise to be an entertaining game against a strong Northern Ireland Veterans team. Admission for the match is free and tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available to purchase in 1889.

The match kicks-off at 2pm.

In 1889 Sports & Social Club, Paul Sexton will be on stage from 5pm to provide entertainment to the supporters and players after the game. Members of the Larne Legends team will be in 1889 after the game with a short Q&A taking place with supporters on the night.

Gary Wray, who is helping to organise the return of the 2003 squad, said: “There is no doubt a lot of our best days in football came at Larne.

“For example, if you speak to Mark Dickson he will still tell you that, as much as scoring the winning goal in an Irish cup final for Crusaders and winning trophies with Linfield meant, his best experience and times in and around football was with our group at Larne!

“When I think back to that promotion day at Bangor, I was physically sick with nerves.

“I remember the meeting Tommy (Kincaid) had with us in the old changing rooms at Inver Park, with roof nearly coming down, before that match. He  informed us that the club and the town were counting on us for promotion that day.

“He basically told us that we needed to win promotion that day or the club would go under. We all looked at each other in disbelief, but it worked!

“When I think back to joining Larne, I felt at home straight away. I knew a lot of players already at the club and got player of the month in first month and just fell in love with place. There are so many good people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. We all didn’t realise how big of a support Larne had until we played there and we were treated like royalty.

“The boys were so keen to get involved when we were planning the reunion and game on Sunday. Andy McDonald summed this up when he said he would fly home early just to be there – we’re all really looking forward to it.”

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