Kentish Football 
Star Jimmy Bullard to referee charity clash at Phoenix Sports
Wednesday 25th May 2011
FORMER Kent footballer Jimmy Bullard returns to his Crayford roots in aid of charity next month, writes Stephen McCartney.Bullard, 32, who has made nearly 300 League appearances, has agreed to referee a Veterans’ charity game in aid of the Heart Foundation between local rivals Phoenix Sports and VCD Athletic on Saturday, 4 June (kick-off 1:30pm), at Phoenix Sports’ ground at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT.
Phoenix Sports will include the likes of Mark Greatorex, Chris Whitehouse, John Whitehouse and Scott Saunders and VCD Athletic will include Paul Foley, Ricky Bennett, Andy Silk, Terry Barry and even a cameo from the manager who lead them into the Kent League in 1997, Martin Ford.
Dean Frost, who will manage the VCD Athletic team, said, “Do you remember Chris Whitehouse? He used to play for VCD. He’s dad past away last year from a heart attack so we’re having a charity day in memory of his dad John Whitehouse in aid of the Heart Foundation.
“Players have had to pay just to play and there will be an auction (in the evening) with a number of football kits and signed footballs from pro clubs with all proceeds going to the Heart Foundation.
“All in all, it’s going to be a family day with food laid on. There’s going to be the England-Switzerland game in the bar after and there’s going to be a disco.
Frost, who coaches his home-town club Welling United in Blue Square Bet South, explained how they have attracted Bullard to the event.
Although born in East Ham, east London, Bullard played schools’ representative football for Bexley Primary Schools FA and Kent Schools FA whilst at primary school and then represented North Kent Schools FA whilst a pupil at Erith School.
He started his career with Corinthian before moving to Dartford and Gravesend & Northfleet before being signed by the club he supported as a boy, West Ham United for a fee of £30,000 in 1999. He has since played for Peterborough United, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Hull City and finished last season out on loan at Ipswich Town.
Frost said: “As we speak he is (attending), but whether he turns up is another thing. He’s promised to be there to referee the game.
“Chris Whitehouse, who is playing for Phoenix, he knows Jimmy Bullard. He drinks in his dad’s pub in Crayford. That’s how we got him. Whether he turns up is another thing – if he doesn’t then he’ll be in trouble!”
Looking forward to the pay-to-get-in event, Frost added: “There’s going to be loads of old faces. There will be (VCD) players who won promotion to the Kent League in the 90’s, right through to the players who have played in recent years – even Martin Ford is playing.”
Visit Phoenix Sports’ website: www.phoenixsportsclub.org
Visit VCD Athletic’s website: www.vcdathletic.co.uk
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd