Football stars to clash for fundraising goal

TEAM Ellis... footballing idols to clash at Boundary Park tonight to support Ellis Robinson (17), left paralysed after a football accident. Holding shirts are players ­— from left: Paul Scholes, John Mackin, Frank Sinclair and Mike Flynn

THE Oldham and footballing communities have rallied together to form two star-studded teams who will go head-to-head tonight to raise funds for a young footballer who was left paralysed after a freak accident.

Managed by Oldham Athletic hero Joe Royle, a team of Latics legends including Andy Ritchie, current manager John Sheridan, David Ayres and Dean Holden will walk back out onto the SportsDirect.com Park turf.

However, they face some stiff opposition as former Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen will manage an All Stars team featuring Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair, former Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Ray Wilkins and ex-Southampton striker James Beattie ­— to name a few.

They have all been brought together to support Hollins footballer Ellis Robinson (17), who ­— while training with Limeside King George FC on February 24 at Hathershaw Sports Centre ­— suffered a freak accident that left him paralysed.

One of the players did not see Ellis while running for the ball, tripped and fell on top of him. An ambulance was called and Ellis was taken to Salford Royal, where he had an emergency MRI scan. He had sustained a serious spinal cord injury and had no feeling below his chest.

It is not known how much feeling Ellis will get back or whether he will walk again.

Scholes, who’s looking forward to teaming up with his old coach Meulensteen again, said: “This speaks volumes about Oldham, and about Latics as a club. This is a family town and this is a great family club. For us, it’s just a case of pulling the boots out and having a game of football ­— that’s easy. But we’re able to raise money for a cracking lad who really needs the help so it’s all very worthwhile.

“The line-up is great as well. A lot of ex-players say they don’t miss playing but I certainly do.”

Manchester United fan Ellis is currently being treated at the Spinal Injuries Centre in Southport but he is hopeful of making it down to SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow night for the event.

The #TeamEllis campaign has gone viral on social media, with high profile sports stars such as Chadderton boxer Anthony Crolla and football personalities Philip Neville and Joey Barton tweeting their support for the teen.

A GoFundMe page raised more than £4,600 shortly after it was set up. That figure has now increased to more than £11,000.

Ellis’ aunty Kelly Robinson said the family hopes to raise funds to pay for specialist treatment ­— not available in the UK ­— in the USA which might get the football-mad teenager back on his feet.

Kelly said: “The amount of support we’ve had has been amazing, it’s overwhelming. It really gives the family strength. Ellis has always had a passion for football so to see so many players he’s looked up to coming together for him, it really lifts him.

“We won’t stop until Ellis is on his feet again.”

Frank Sinclair, an ex-Latics coach, said: “It’s a terrific cause and it’s brilliant to see so many old faces doing their bit. There’s some great players going to be on show.”

Ellis’ family has asked to give a special thank you to Gary Lazenbury, Simon Cooper, Mick Priest, Mark ‘Tank’ Howard, Anthony ‘Chilly’ Williams, John Kay, John Butterworth, Richard Ashroft, Mick Flynn and Noel Collins.

The match takes place from 6.30pm to 9pm. Tickets can be bought on the door for £7 or purchased in advance for £5 from the Latics ticket office or Oldham College.

HOW THEY LINE UP

OAFC Legends:
Kevin Pilkington
Darren Sheridan
Andy Holt
Cliff Byrne
Mike Flynn
David Berrisford
John Sheridan
David Ayres
Andy Ritchie
Frankie Bunn
Tony Ellis
Dean Holden
Scott McNiven
David McNiven
Ritchie Wellens
Chris Killen
Mark Innes
Will Haining
Manager: Joe Royle
Assistants: Billy Urmston, Gary Lazenbury.

The All Stars:
Eric Nixon
Clayton Blackmore
Frank Sinclair
Andy Morrison
David May
Ray Wilkins
Paul Scholes
Trevor Sinclair
James Beattie
Uwe Rosler
Frank Stapleton
Gavin McCann
Paul Dickov
Brian O’Neil
Neil Ross
Danny Moores
Anthony ‘Chilly’ Williams
Jordan Lazenbury
Danny Miller
Manager: Rene Meulensteen
Assistants: Richard Ashcroft, Mick Priest.