Stars turn out in force to support Hughes' cause

MICKY COLLINS has urged the Kentish Football Family to support a benefit match for a footballer who suffered life-threatening injuries after being attacked whilst on a summer holiday in Crete, writes Stephen McCartney.

Hadlow-based Collins, now coaching the reserve side at Ryman Premier League Tonbridge Angels, is playing in a benefit match for Rob Hughes.

Croydon based footballer Hughes was brutally attacked by a group of thugs in Crete while on holiday this summer and was left fighting for his life.

A benefit match will take place for Hughes at Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground on Sunday, 21^st September, kicking off at 2pm.

Former Bromley player Hughes underwent his fourth operation last week and is now on the road to recovery.

Collins revealed that cricket stars Alec Stewart and Mark Butcher are expected to turn out for the Legends’ side.

Andy Hessenthaler, the current player-manager of Dover Athletic, is also expected to play, alongside the likes of John Salako, Kit Symons, Alan Pardew, Peter Taylor, Andy Impey, Justin Edinburgh and Colin Pates.

Collins will be apart of the Bromley side that includes many players that turned out for the club during their Ryman League days, including Glyn Shimmell, Wade Falana, Jason McKoy, Frank Coles, Grant Watts and Mark Tompkins.

Chairman Jerry Dolke and manager Mark Goldberg are also expected to don Bromley colours for the match.

The referee for the game will be Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock. The ex-Sheffield United boss is a fully qualified referee and will be the man in the middle.

Entrance fee will be by donation, and Collins believes there will be a good turnout for the match.

“I personally urge everyone involved in football to support this event for a fantastic cause,” Collins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“Robbie’s road to recovery will be a long and painful one. We all need to raise as much money as we can to improve his life, so please support this in any way you can.”

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net