Grimsby Town’s James McKeown has netted some top guests for a goalkeeper-themed event to celebrate his testimonial season.
Former Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Wales number one Mark Crossley will be guest speaker at a Sports Dinner at the Humber Royal Hotel on Thursday, 4th November.
The event will be hosted by Grimsby’s Lloyd Griffith and he will be joined by fellow comedian Big Lou.
Macca is looking forward to the event.
“Growing up, Mark Crossley was one of the goalkeepers I watched and admired in the Premier League and it’s phenomenal he’s doing this event for my testimonial,” he said.
“Mark comes highly recommended as an after-dinner speaker. He has some fantastic stories to tell about his times with Brian Clough at Forest. I’m told he does a great impression!
“He was part of the older generation of footballers who worked hard and played hard.
“Mark achieved so much during his 23-year career and had many different experiences.”
The evening follows the successful testimonial match against Rotherham United during pre-season.
A comedy night and a black-tie charity dinner will be among other events lined up in the New Year for Macca in his testimonial season, which marks his 10 years with the club.
“I hope people will come out and support the dinner at the Humber Royal,” said Macca. “A huge amount of effort is going into making it a memorable night out.
“I want people to get to know me a little bit more during the year.
“I love goalkeeping, not just during a match but the whole history. I admire those who have done it in the past and my peers.
“I enjoy the history of goalkeeping and love to build up my knowledge of goalkeepers that were much better than me, including those who came before me at Blundell Park, the likes of Nigel Batch, Steve Sherwood and Danny Coyne.
“Mark is one of those who obviously played at a much higher level. It should be a fantastic night.”
Crossley played for numerous other clubs, including United, before retiring in 2011.
He can claim to be the only goalkeeper to stop a Matt Le Tissier penalty!
Tables for the dinner are in 10s, priced £400, or individual tickets can be purchased at £40 each.
There will be an auction of sports memorabilia – including a signed Harry Kane shirt – and opportunities to have signed pictures with Crossley, McKeown, and other guests.
Doors open at 6.15pm with dinner served at 7.15pm. The evening’s being run in conjunction with Norlait Sporting Events and Macca’s Testimonial Year is sponsored by GCW.
To purchase tickets, please email [email protected]
