Latics Legends v Dutch Masters 13/5/16

ASHTON TOWN AFC Are very proud to be hosting

LATICS LEGENDS DUTCH MASTERS V

V Charity Football Match in aid of JOSEPH’S GOAL

Friday the 13th of May 2016 KO 7:30pm Venue: Ashton Town AFC, Edge Green Street, Ashton In Makerfield, Wigan

OFFICIAL SOUVENIR MATCH PROGRAMME ALL PROFITS GO TO JOSEPH’S GOAL registered charity in England and Wales number 1151548 Game Sponsors -

Hardwick Financial & Avance ICT Nederland

Main Programme Sponsor - pooles

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Well here it is again, another massive Latics Legends game at little Ashton Town!

As if the first one wasn't crazy enough, and beyond my wildest dreams, it looks like we have only gone and topped it!

Firstly, I can honestly not put into words how proud I am to host a game of this stature, nor how proud I am to be a trustee for the wonderful Joseph's Goal charity.

I live my life with a never-give-up attitude in whatever I do, and I have been very lucky to have seen many examples of this - including Wigan Athletic's amazing rise from the bottom to the top and more recently, little Joseph Kendrick and his wonderful family.

I think we are all very blessed as Wiganers, as I'm not aware of many other towns that would come together so regularly as we do.

Similarly, I know of no other football club that can gather the support of so many living legends to come to a little non-league club and put on a spectacle like this.

Last year's event was something that tested my every emotion.

Ashton Town is a voluntary-run football club, and I am the voluntary chairman.

I am simply a Latics fan - a season-ticket holder for 20 years - who watched the rise from the bottom to the top, and wanted to have an input on our wonderful game myself.

To see if I could have a crack at a similar challenge at a Step-6 non-league club.

To produce last year's game, I rounded up around 60 volunteers who gave up their time to help put together an amazing night.

Not just once, but twice.

Last year's initial game was, as you probably remember, a total wash-out.

I can't tell you the hard work that goes into planning such a game, and we had to call it off at the last minute.

Sadly, the rain was of biblical proportions and, when I gave in and made the call to call off the game, I locked myself in the changing rooms and my head was in bits.

However, like Wiganers do, we come back bigger and better.

That night, the organisers received a text message off none other than Roberto Martinez, saying not to worry, and a list of potential dates of when he was available for the rescheduled game.

Wow. Simply wow.

When, in what seemed a deep hole, one of your heroes sends you a boost like that, there are not many greater feelings. From utter despair, I was then back to buzzing about a new date - and getting the show back on the road.

Due to the original opponents being not available, I managed to get stars of the TV show 'Hollyoaks' to help us out.

They jumped at the chance at playing in such a game for such a good cause although, after a 10-0 hammering, they all knew they'd chosen the correct career path!

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It was an amazing night, and thousands of pounds was raised for Joseph's Goal.

It was perhaps best summed up by Mario Melchiot, who'd flown in from Los Angeles specially for the game.

"It's all about helping make dreams come true," he said.

Perfectly put.

So onto this fixture.

The word 'legend' is used far too frequently in this day and age.

However, when I say the name 'Arjan de Zeeuw', if anything the word 'legend' doesn't do him justice.

'Arry' was not only an outstanding player for us.

He was a leader, an ambassador, and quite simply a total gentleman.

I first got the idea of bringing Arry and a Dutch side over after seeing a group of Latics fans attend his testimonial in Holland at Telstar FC. From that, I contacted his colleague in the Dutch police, Marco Miltenburg, and that was that. We literally had a full squad of ex-Dutch internationals on their way to Ashton Town.

Marco has been outstanding, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of myself and Joseph's Goal for all the hard work and effort he has put on to get the Dutch squad here.

It has been a very surreal experience for me, and it's safe to say I am even more of a fan of Dutch football than I was before.

Not only have I been playing Wigan Athletic fantasy football, but also Dutch fantasy football.

And to have the support of so many respected professionals and distinguished internationals from another country has been humbling to say the least.

Who'd have thought we would ever see Arry back on Wigan soil, leading out a team for us?

Even more amazingly, who'd have thought we would ever see Jorg Smeets, and his famous tiny feet, again?

Enjoy the game, Mark Hayes Town Chairman & Latic’s Mon Game Sponsors - Hardwick Financial Avance ICT Nederland Main Programme Sponsor - pooles

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Could we start by offering a very warm welcome to this year's Joseph's Goal charity match - the Latics Legends against the Dutch Masters!

And a massive 'thank you' to each and every one of you for coming along, to enjoy the match and support Joseph's Goal.

It's unbelievable to think it's 12 months since our inaugural legends match, when a star-studded Latics outfit absolutely walloped a Hollyoaks XI 10-0.

This year's match will be rather closer, given the incredible quality on the Dutch side.

But the real winners will be you, the fans, for witnessing a real feast of football and, of course, Joseph's Goal.

Every penny raised really is making a significant difference to NKH awareness and research around the globe.

Over the last three-and-a-half years, we have raised nearly ÂŁ250,000 - a staggering amount of money which has already changed how NKH is understood across the world.

Dr Johan van Hove, an NKH research specialist based at the University of Colorado, has managed - directly as a result of funds raised by Joseph's Goal - to map all the genes that can cause NKH, and hopes to have a gene therapy treatment for Joe and children like him within three years.

NKH is such a rare disorder (there are only about 400 children living with the disorder around the world, and approximately 14 cases in the UK) that there has limited interest by doctors to understand the disorder, never mind treat it or find a cure.

We are changing the way the disease is viewed by medical professionals - all with your help.

NKH we are coming to get you!

We are always looking for, and in need of, more helpers along our fundraising journey with Joe. Things like coffee mornings, cake sales, and non-uniform days at work are always quick and easy fundraisers that maybe you could do at your place of work.

We also have a number of annual events on the horizon - including our charity ball on July 2, and our Spinathon at Total Fitness on July 9 - that we'd love you to get involved with.

We also hope to again have over 100 runners for the Wigan 10K on September 4 if you fancy joining Team Joseph!

You can contact us through www.facebook.com/josephsgoal or @JosephsGoal on Twitter, or via our websitewww.josephsgoal.org.

Last, and most certainly not least, a massive, MASSIVE 'thank you' to everyone at Ashton Town FC, and in particular Mark Hayes.

The level of support he has given since becoming involved with Joseph's Goal has been absolutely incredible, and we were honoured when he recently accepted our invitation to become a trustee of the charity.

On behalf of every child on the planet with NKH, we thank him - and you - from the bottom of our hearts.

We couldn't do this without your support.

Have a great night!

Emma and Paul Kendrick, and all at Joseph's Goal Game Sponsors - Hardwick Financial Avance ICT Nederland Main Programme Sponsor - pooles

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Stuart Barlow - Forward Career apps 522 (146 goals), Latics apps 108 (53 goals) Started his career at Everton, and was part of the squad that won the FA Cup against Manchester United in 1995. Moved to Wigan in 1998, and scored the final Latics goal at Springfield Park in the play-off draw with Manchester City the following year.

Emmerson Boyce - Defender Career apps 612 (23 goals), Latics apps 298 (13 goals) Captained Latics to their greatest-ever achievement - the 2013 FA Cup final - when he touched the hearts of millions across the world by carrying out mascot Joe before the game. A proud ambassador for Joseph's Goal, played for Latics between 200615, and has captained Barbados for many years with distinction.

Michael Brown - Midfielder Career apps 654 (59 goals), Latics apps 64 (0 goals) Still playing in League One with Port Vale, has also played for Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Tottenham, Fulham, Portsmouth and Leeds in a career spanning over two decades. Won four caps for England Under-21s.

Nicky Eaden - Defender Career apps 664 (19 goals), Latics apps 135 (0 goals) Helped Latics win promotion from League One and then the Championship during his three years at the DW. Was part of the Birmingham side that reached the 2001 League Cup final, and is currently on the coaching staff at Championship outfit Rotherham.

Nathan Ellington - Forward Career apps: 509 (147 goals), Latics apps: 146 (67 goals) One of the deadliest strikers ever to play for the club, scored 24 league goals in the 2004/05 season to help Latics reach the Premier League for the first time. Moved on to West Brom later that summer - a decision he has since admitted was a mistake and also played for Watford, Derby, Preston and Ipswich.

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John Filan - Goalkeeper Career apps 378, Latics apps 204 Was the last formidable line of defence as Latics won promotion from League One and the Championship, and replaced the injured Mike Pollitt during the 2006 League Cup final. Played for his native Australia at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, and currently coaching at Blackburn Rovers.

Emile Heskey - Forward Career apps 767 (157 goals), Latics apps 88 (16 goals) Coming to the end of his 22nd season as a professional footballer, having been transferred for a staggering total of ÂŁ26.25m during his distinguished career. Helped Liverpool win a memorable cup treble in 2001, and represented England at every level, winning 62 full caps, including the World Cups of 2002 and 2010, as well as the 2004 Euros.

Jason Jarrett - Midfielder Career apps 326 (13 goals), Latics apps 107 (4 goals) Only just retired from the game to take on a new challenge as a referee. Helped Latics into the Premier League in 2005 but moved on to Norwich later that summer. Was a central figure in the recent BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary surrounding Salford City FC. Graeme Jones - Forward Career apps 371 (106 goals), Latics apps 125 (52 goals) The phenomenal 31 league goals he scored in his debut season for Latics, in 1996/97, is unlikely to be broken for quite some time. Has been the trusty No.2 to former Latics team-mate Roberto Martinez in management at Swansea, Wigan and Everton.

Graham Kavanagh - Midfielder Career apps 630 (94 goals), Latics apps 55 (0 goals) Joined Latics in 2005 from cash-strapped Cardiff for a knockdown fee of ÂŁ400,000, and immediately helped the side win promotion to the top flight. Won 16 caps for Ireland, and joined his exinternational captain Roy Keane at Sunderland in 2006.

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Ian Kilford - Midfielder Career apps 340 (39 goals), Latics apps 271 (36 goals) Came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest before joining Latics, initially on loan, in 1993. Spent almost a decade at Wigan, helping them win promotion to the third tier in 1997, before moving on to Scunthorpe in 2002.

Chris Kirkland - Goalkeeper/Defender Career apps 320, Latics apps 134 Joined Latics from Liverpool, after an impressive loan spell, and won his solitary England cap in 2006 as a Latics player. His appearance for the national side famously won his father and a few friends a cool ÂŁ10,000 each, having each placed a bet of ÂŁ100 at odds of 100/1! Now at Preston.

Andy Liddell - Forward Career apps 665 (149 goals), Latics apps 251 (72 goals) His total of 72 goals for Wigan make him the leading goalscorer in the club's history.One of the most passionate and committed players to ever wear the blue and white shirt, won the Player of the Year award in 1999/2000, and two years later finished as top scorer which led to him being called into the Scotland squad.

Alan Mahon - Midfielder Career apps 379 (33 goals), Latics apps 56 (10 goals) After coming through the ranks at Tranmere, he spent time at Sporting Lisbon before returning to the UK with Blackburn, Cardiff, Ipswich and then Wigan. Helped Latics win promotion to the Premier League, and won two caps for Ireland in 2000.

Roberto Martinez - Midfielder Career apps 428 (30 goals), Latics apps 229 (23 goals) One third of the 'Three Amigos'-along with Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz - which helped change the face of Wigan Athletic following their arrival in 1995. The Spanish maestro enjoyed a successful playing tenure with Latics, winning promotion from the fourth tier in 1997, before returning as manager in 2009 and inspiring the FA Cup triumph of 2013.

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Neill Rimmer - Midfielder Career apps 287 (18 goals), Latics apps 259 (15 goals) Came through the ranks at Everton before moving down to Ipswich. Joined Latics in 1988, and led by example as skipper for many years before, after a serious knee injury, joining Altrincham in 1996. Recently served the club as a coach, radio commentator and sponsorship manager.

Neil Roberts - Forward Career apps 371 (67 goals), Latics apps 144 (21 goals) Joined Latics in February 2000 from home-town club Wrexham, and helped the club reach the Championship before moving on to Hull, Bradford, Doncaster and eventually back to Wrexham. Won four Wales caps and still working on the game at Manchester City.

Paul Scharner - Defender Career apps 358 (34 goals), Latics apps 174 (17 goals) One of the greatest characters, as well as talents, to play for the club. the Austria international won 40 caps and was responsible for almost as many memorable haircuts! Made a huge-enough impact during his first spell, between 2006-10, but underlined his legendary status by returning on loan from Hamburg in 2013, and winning an FA Cup winners' medal.

Kevin Sharp - Defender Career apps 393 (15 goals), Latics apps 221 (12 goals) Interestingly, the Canadian-born defender started his career at French club Auxerre, before returning to England and Leeds United. Joined Latics in 1995, staying for six seasons, including a promotion-winning campaign in 1997 and an agonising playoff final defeat to Gillingham at Wembley in 2000.

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Arjan de Zeeuw - Defender Quite simply needs no introduction. Voted Wigan Athletic's greatest-ever player in a poll to celebrate the centenary of the PFA, enjoyed two spells with the club as captain, and was once selected by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair as his favourite footballer.

Tim De Cler - Defender Came through the ranks at the worldfamous Ajax Academy, making almost 100 appearances before moving on to AZ and Feyenoord. Won 17 caps and was selected for both the 2006 World Cup and 2008 Euros.

Orlando Engelaar - Forward Came through the ranks at Feyenoord, and represented Twente and PSV with distinction as well as playing abroad in Germany (Schalke) and Australia (Melbourne). Won 14 caps and made the squad for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. Glenn Helder - Forward Another product of the Ajax Academy, played for Sparta Rotterdam and Vitesse before joining Arsenal in 1995. Won his four caps during his time with the Gunners, and also played in Portugal for Sporting Lisbon.

Denny Landzaat - Midfielder Played for Ajax, MVV, Willem II and AZ in Holland before joining Wigan Athletic for ÂŁ2.5million in 2006. Spent two years at the DW, making over 50 appearances, before moving back to his homeland and Feyenoord. Won 38 caps, and went to the 2006 World Cup. Jan Krompkamp - Defender Helped Liverpool to win the FA Cup in 2006 after joining from Spanish outfit Villarreal, before moving back to Holland with PSV Eindhoven. Won 11 caps, and went to the 2006 World Cup. Zeb Den Uyl- Goal Keeper.

A talented shot stopper who chose a career in Dutch Futsal.

Played at its highest level, and was in the top 5 of best Futsal Goal Keepers in the 2013 season in the Netherlands.

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Michael Mols - Forward Enjoyed a fantastic career spanning almost two decades, including spells with Ajax, Twente, Rangers and Feyenoord.

Won six trophies during his five years in Scotland with the Gers, as well as picking up six international caps.

Andre Ooijer - Defender After making over 200 appearances for PSV, moved to Blackburn in 2006, playing almost 100 games for Rovers before returning to PSV and then Ajax. Won 55 caps, scoring three times, and went to three World Cups 1998, 2006 and 2010 - as well as the Euros in 2008.

Patrick Paauwe - Defender Played for PSV and Feyenoord before moving abroad to France (Valenciennes) and Germany (Borussia Monchengladbach.

Won five caps, all in the year 2000, and his brother Cees is also a pro footballer, between the sticks as a goalkeeper.

Martijn Reuser - Midfielder After making over 50 appearances for Ajax and 70 on loan at Vitesse - with whom he won his solitary international cap - joined Ipswich Town. Scored a crucial winning goal to help the Tractor Boys win the Championship play-off against Barnsley at Wembley in 2000.

Jorg Smeets - Midfielder After spells in Holland with Volendam, Utrecht and Heracles Almelo, joined Wigan Athletic in 1997. Spent two years with Latics, as well as a loan spell at Chester, before moving on to Portugal and Maritimo.

Sander Westerveld - Goalkeeper After spells at Twente and Vitesse, moved to Liverpool in 1999, staying for two years and helping the Reds win the League Cup, the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup in 2001.

After moving to Real Sociedad in Spain, returned to England with Portsmouth and Everton. Won six caps and went to the Euros in 2000 and 2004.

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Clyde Wijnhard - Forward Made his name at Ajax, but came to the attention of English audiences in 1998 when he joined Leeds. Also played for Huddersfield, Preston, Oldham, Darlington, Macclesfield and Brentford, scoring almost a century of goals across his 11 clubs.

Marco Miltenburg- Defender.

Marco played for two years in the same Futsal team as Zeb. Also played for the Dutch National Police team since 2004, and the last four years with Arry. Played at the European Championships for Police National teams in Tjechie, Prague.

Both Marco and Zeb played in Arry's testimonial last year at Telstar.

To produce an event like this takes some effort, however I am very lucky and privileged to have a wonderful network around me whom support every idea I come up with wholeheartedly. Without the support from the following, then this event simply couldn't happen. Thank you to all from the bottom of my heart.

Enjoy tonight, as without your input we simply wouldn't be here tonight.

Scott Sheedy & The Hardwick Group of Companies Ron Stomp & Avance ICT Nederlands Sarah Roberts & Sainsburys Haydock Distribution Centre Paul Cowley & TLK Automotive Solutions Duncan Brown & Modelling Network Geoff Cooper Executive Travel Mark Rigby Luxury Mini Bus Travel Pooles Domestics Captain-armband.com, DW Stadium Ticket Office, Galaxy Football Paul Kendrick, Marco Miltenburg, Patrick Van de Lagemaat Dave Hitchen, Ian Pomfrett, Dawn Marshall Martyn Ode, Matthew Martin, Kieran Makin Dave McQuade, Gordon Johnson, Kev Ashcroft, Andy Monks ..and finally all at Ashton Town, and all the volunteers whom have given up their time, not just today, but in all the times you have done, supporting me and the football club that means so much to me, and many others. Thank you Game Sponsors - Hardwick Financial Avance ICT Nederland Main Programme Sponsor - pooles

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LAST YEAR’s Joseph’s Goal Charity Match This evening's game between the Latics Legends and the Dutch Masters is the second Joseph's Goal charity match.

This time last year, the Latics Legends hammered a Hollyoaks XI 10-0, thanks to a dazzling display across the board.

Roberto Martinez scored the opening goal, before laying on number two for long-time partner-in-crime Graeme Jones. Alan Mahon made it three with a stunning strike, with further efforts from Neil Roberts and Jason Jarrett making the half-time score 5-0. A raft of halftime changes did little to put the Latics Legends off their game, and Sean Clancey - brother-in-law of Peter Crouch - justified his inclusion as a 'ringer' by making it six. An unbelievable solo goal from Nathan Ellington made it a magnificent seven, before Stuart Barlow added a brace, either side of the most popular goal of the night - a stunning volley from skipper Emmerson Boyce.

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Latics Legends: John Filan, Emmerson Boyce (c), Chris Kirkland, Kevin Sharpe, Mario Melchiot, Roberto Martinez, Alan Mahon, Jason Jarrett, Graeme Jones, Neil Roberts, Nathan Ellington. Subs: Eric Nixon, Stuart Barlow, David Lowe, Neil Rimmer, Gareth Whalley, Ray Woods, Sean Clancey.

Photography by Bernard Platt

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@plattyphoto

Arjan de Zeeuw is, quite simply, a Wigan Athletic legend.

Voted the club's greatest-ever player in a poll to mark the centenary of the PFA, the Dutchman returns to Wigan tonight with a team of Dutch Masters to take on the Latics Legends to raise money for the Joseph's Goal charity. He took time out before the big game to discuss what will be an emotional night all round.

How many times have you been back to Wigan since you left?

I've only been back a handful of times. A couple of those were as a pundit for Sky TV, but I haven't been back as much as I'd have liked. Primarily that's because of my job - I'm very busy. And I also have a very busy family life. It's not easy to just fly over to England when you have four kids - four daughters. They keep me pretty busy.

What are you most looking forward to about coming 'home'?

Obviously I'm looking forward to visiting the area again, meeting some old friends, including a few of the lads we'll be playing against in the legends game. There's so many great players, great guys, we'll be facing - Roberto Martinez, Graeme Jones, Paul Scharner...a real blast from the past. It will be very strange playing against my old team-mates. I actually considered playing half for Holland and half for Wigan.

It's going to be strange for me, but great at the same time.

How much persuading did you need to come over for the game?

I'm so excited, I didn't need persuading at all. The game is going to be fantastic, and the cause is wonderful Joseph's Goal. To get so many big names to come over from Holland shows you what a big event it's going to be. All of the ex-pros we approached said 'yes' straight away when they heard about it, and what it's raising money for. It was originally going to be a Dutch police XI, but we knew this could be bigger, with some bigname Dutch internationals, and it will be.

Going back to your childhood, who were your team back in Holland?

I played for Telstar, but as a kid my team was AZ Alkmaar. I used to go and watch them with my grandad and my uncle. They were both big cigar smokers, and I was 'fumed out' in the middle! But I loved the atmosphere. They have a new stadium now and they're doing very well.

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Who was your hero/role model?

I used to admire anyone who was good at sport. I was a big fan of Joop Zoetemelk, the Dutch cyclist who won the Tour de France. As far as football goes, I was a big admirer of the Dutch player Ruud Krol. Further afield Franco Baresi. But I was always more interested in doing my own thing rather than watching someone else on TV. You started off at Telstar, what sort of club were they are how are they doing now? Are you their most celebrated player or are their other notable players?

They're doing okay, they're in the league below the top flight. They've been there for a few years, a kind of regional side. We didn't used to have relegation in Holland, but they've changed it now so I suppose there is a possibility they could one day get into the top flight.

They're a special club, though.

They awarded me a testimonial recently, and in fact several fans from Wigan came over for it. It was quite amazing. I heard them chanting, and I suddenly thought: 'Hang on, that's in English!' I managed to get them up in the players' lounge after, as a thank you.

That was nice.

Do you ever think Dutch football will get to the top table again in European club football or has the Champions League effectively shut the door on the likes of Ajax, Eindhoven, Feyenoord et al ever winning a major European trophy?

That's the problem. There's too many bigger leagues out there with too much money. The talent leaves Holland so early these days, before they've even really showed what they can do. Dutch football is still very highly regarded, and rightly so, because the training is great and players learn great technique. One day we might get back to that level in club football, but it's getting harder and harder. The Spanish league, the Italian league, the German league, and of course the English league have so much money. PSV are doing okay - they pay the highest money, but they have to do that to even compete in the Champions League.

Which Dutch club would you compare Wigan Athletic to?

You don't really have something like the Wigan Athletic story in Holland, because of the set-up. But I would say maybe Zwolle. They were small team that came up, they won the cup, and it transformed the place.

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Do you think you could and should have played for Holland?

I wanted to! But only one guy can make that decision and he didn't think so! I know they were keeping an eye on me at one point. I heard Jaap Stam was carrying an injury, and I might be the one to get called up. He killed me, playing in the same position. He was far quicker than I was. But that's okay, I'm at peace with it.

How would you have felt if you’d played at Wigan under Roberto Martinez, who encourages his centre halves to pass around the back? Is this a style you’re comfortable with?

I would have loved that! He just loves the game - he lives it and he breathes it.

I was out with him once, and I remember saying: 'Is there anything else you would like to talk about other than football?' But he was a great guy, very charismatic. He's a real people person who looks after his players, and I like that.

Would you ever consider becoming a football manager?

Yes...and I still would! It's difficult, though, because I've chosen a different career path. And it's hard to combine that with football.

What three items would you take if you were stranded on a desert island?

My girlfriend and my kids. But being a desert island, they might die out there, and I want to keep them safe. So I'll go for a football to keep me occupied, a coffee machine, and a mountain bike to keep me busy.

When Tony Blair was Prime Minister, he chose you as his favourite Premier League player. So who’s your favourite politician?

I quite liked Tony Blair, to be honest although I'm not necessarily saying I support the Labour party. But as a person...I'm sure that helped him to be in power for so long. As far as the comment went...I thought it was quite impressive.

I thought: 'Wow, that's nice'. At least it's something to be remembered for. . . . … I owe him for that!

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Joseph's Goal

CHARITY SILENT AUCTION OWN ANY LEGENDS SIGNED MATCH WORN PLAYERS SHIRT, ALONG WITH LOTS OF OTHER EXCLUSIVE ITEMS TOO

100% OF ALL MONIES RAISED GOES TO JOSEPH'S GOAL registered charity in England and Wales number 1151548

Simply send your bid via DM on Twitter to @northernpromise or TEXT to 07851 254936 with your name, maximum bid, item wanted, and contact address.

Bidding ends at midnight 22nd May 2016 The following match worn shirts will all be hand signed by the player Sander WESTERVELD Robert MARTINEZ Graeme JONES Jan KROMKAMP Emile HESKEY Denny LANDZAAT Chris KIRKLAND Kevin SHARP Tim DE CLER Stuart BARLOW Patrick PAAUVE Nathan ELLINGTON Orlando ENGELAAR John FILAN Michael BROWN Martjin REUSER Ian KILFORD Jorg SMEETS Neil ROBERTS Alan MAHON Glenn HELDER Andy LIDDELL Andre OOIJER Jason JARRETT Emmerson BOYCE Michael MOLS Nicky EADEN Clyde WIJNHARD Neill RIMMER Also available -

#Exclusive Latic's Legends Captain's Armband signed by the Latic's Captain. #Exclusive Dutch Masters Captain's Armband signed by the Dutch Captain.

#Match pennant given by the Latic's Legends to the Dutch fully signed by the Latic's Legends squad. #Match plate 'Schaal' given by the Dutch Masters to the Latic's Legends engraved with match details. #Match Referee's shirt embroided with match details and signed by both teams. #1 X Replica Latic's Legends shirt signed by the FULL Latic's Legends squad. #1 X Replica Dutch Masters shirt signed by the FULL Dutch Masters squad.

All items will be delivered w/c 23rd May and winning bids announced via social media

@northernpromise

@ashtontownafc

@josephsgoal

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Latics legend Andy Liddell is looking forward to meeting up with some of his former team-mates tonight.

However, with Dutch Masters captain Arjan de Zeeuw on the opposite side, he admits he'll happily wait until after the game before getting up close and personal with his former colleague at both Latics and Barnsley.

"I will not be playing against Arjan de Zeeuw if I can help it! laughed Liddell, Wigan Athletic's all-time leading Football League goalscorer with 70.

"I might be on the same pitch, but if I can get into a different post code then I will!

"I played with him at two clubs and he kicked me up in the air at both of them.

"He did it at Barnsley, and then he followed me to Wigan and did the same!

"On a serious note, he is one of the best, toughest, most professional players I ever played with or against.

"He was hard as nails, but he could also play as well, don't worry about that.

"I'm certainly glad he was on my team for so many years, and it's going to be great to see him again."

Liddell, known affectionately as 'Sir Andrew' by the Latics faithful admits meeting up with so many familiar faces tonight will bring back some fantastic memories not to mention stirring up the emotions.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the lads again - I've not seen some of them in years," he acknowledged.

"It was a great team to be part of - the dressing room was close, we all got on well, and off the field it was the same as well, it was a really good laugh.

"Football can be such a dog-eat-dog world. You join a club, you play, and then you move on.

"But when you win things at a club, you have that special feeling, that special bond, that never leaves you.

"You'll see one of the lads around, like John Filan, and straight away you'll be talking about the good old days.

"Your career goes by in the blink of an eye - it doesn't seen two minutes since I was 18/19 and just starting.

"But times like those we shared at Wigan live with you forever."

There's sure to be a party atmosphere at tonight's game, with Latics having secured the League One title at the weekend despite losing at home to Barnsley.

Ironically, the last time Latics were promoted from the third tier - back in 2003 they also picked up the trophy following a final-day clash with the Tykes.

While Liddell was delighted to see Barnsley secure a play-off spot with their 4-1 win at the DW, he says there's no doubting the best way to win promotion. “I’ve heard a lot of people saying the best way of going up is via the play-offs, because you get a day out at Wembley," Liddell said.

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“I’d have to disagree – the best way of going up is automatically as champions, with games to space, like we did.

“We had a brilliant season back in 2003, and I see a lot of similarities with the current Wigan team.

“They look to be a Championship team, with Championship players, playing in League One, and I think that’s showed.

“Obviously I keep an eye on Wigan and it looks as though they’ve trampled over the rest this season.”

Having seen Latics slip out of the Championship last term, Liddell didn’t expect them to stay down for long.

“Let’s get it right – that team should never have been relegated in the first place,” Liddell recognised.

“Wigan are a Championship team at worst, and it’s good to see them back up next year.

“They’ve had money to spend, they’ve obviously put in a lot of hard work, and I expect them to have a good go again next season.

“They should be aiming for the top 10, and maybe even the top six, although the Championship is a very tough league with some very big teams in there.

“But having gone up as champions, the confidence levels will be sky high, and that can take you a long way.

“You can take confidence in to the following season, and that’s why you get so many teams enjoying double-barrelled promotions.

“At the same time, you also get a few teams suffering double-barrelled relegations, for the opposite reason.”

Liddell will also have known first-hand what the Latics players were feeling as the reality of going up as champions sunk in on Sunday night.

“It’s fantastic,” he added. “You’ve done what you set out to do – win promotion and go up as champions.

"You’ve achieved something. “I was really lucky to win a title with Wigan, and win at Wembley (in the Auto Windscreens Shield), as well as playing in a play-off final.

“Some really good players – thousands of players – go through their whole careers and never win anything or ever play at Wembley.

“When I reached the Premier League as a kid with Barnsley, you think it’s always going to be like that...and it’s not. You never know when you’re going to achieve anything again – and you have to make the most of it.”

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Official Legends game after party at Revolution Bar, King Street, Wigan. 10:30pm till late.

Join all the Dutch team and some Wigan legends in celebration of a wonderful night FREE ENTRY DONATIONS VERY WELCOME

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w w w. p o o l e s d o m e s t i c s . c o . u k

LATICS LEGENDS

DUTCH MASTERS

Roberto Martinez

Arjan de Zeeuw

Graeme Jones

Denny Landzatt

Jason Jarrett Kevin Sharp

Michael Mols

Paul Scharner

Glenn Helder

Emmerson Boyce

Jan Kromkamp

Chris Kirkland

Jorg Smeets

Emile Heskey Neill Rimmer

Tim De Cler

Graham Kavanagh

Patrick Paauwe

Michael Brown

Orlando Engelaar

Nathan Ellington Stuart Barlow

Martijn Reuser

John Filan

Andre Ooijer

Ian Kilford

Sander Westerveld

Nicky Eaden

Marco Miltenburg

Andy Liddell Alan Mahon Neil Roberts

Zeb Den Uyl Clyde Wijnhard

Referee: Gordon Johnson, Assistants: Liam Corrigan & Kieran Johnson, Fourth Official: Tom Pritchard

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