Almondvale hosts Auld Enemy clash

Jun 11 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

DON HUTCHISON can’t wait to get on to the pitch at Almondvale as part of the Scottish legends side set to do battle with the Auld Enemy.

Hutchison, a Tartan Army hero after he scored a winning goal against England at Wembley, is itching to take to the field and reignite old rivalries against some familiar footballing foes and friends.

The former Liverpool, Everton and West Ham striker has revealed the game won’t be his first visit to the home of Livingston FC.

“We used to train at Livingston with Scotland before under Craig Brown,” said Hutchison, “so I’ve seen the ground before and trained on the park, so it’ll be good to be back.”

Hutchison is just one of a host of star names from yesteryear who are ready to pull on the Dark Blue of Scotland against an equally impressive group of English legends.

Alongside Hutchison in the home dressing room will be Tom Boyd, Gary McAllister, Billy Dodds, Gordon Durie and Kevin Gallacher.

While across the hall the visitors boast a talent-packed squad that includes Paul Parker, Phil Neal, Paul Walsh, Des Walker, Alan Kennedy and Mark Walters.

And Hutchison is expecting a tough game with so many star names on show for the local fans in West Lothian.

He continued: “I’m really looking forward to the game and all the boys are raring to go.

“I was always pretty fit as a player and I only retired around this time last year so I’m still doing ok and all the guys seem to be in good shape.

“The game will certainly be competitive and it will also be great to see the boys again.

“The Tartan Army always get behind us and we hope that continues on what will be an exciting occasion.

“These legends games are always good entertainment for the fans.

“Playing against England brings out the competitiveness in us all, even though it is just a friendly it is important for us to win.”

With such renowned players on show, this will certainly be a game for fans in Livingston to remember.

England Legend Des Walker who made 59 appearances for his country agreed that games between the two old rivals are always tasty encounters.

He said: “It’s always great to get back on the pitch for a game, especially when it’s against Scotland, they always give us a tough game.

“This is one legends match that both teams will definitely want to win.” Match promoters Grow Sport Ltd added: “We are delighted to be bringing so many past international heroes to Almondvale Stadium.

“We have put together two teams of well known players that we hope fans will enjoy watching.

“Fans can purchase their tickets from ticketmaster.co.uk, all usual outlets and Almondvale Stadium.

“Fans should know this is an all-ticket event and we would recommend that they purchase their tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

The match is taking place at Almondvale Stadium, Livingston, on Saturday, June 20, with a scheduled 1.15pm kick-off.

Fans can purchase tickets for Scotland v England Legends directly from Almondvale Stadium, Ticketmaster.co.uk and all usual outlets.