Footballers from Hartlepool set for reunion after 40 years to raise cash for good cause

Members of the King Oswy Rangers youth team who played together in the late 70s are set to meet up again on Sunday at the South Durham (Steelworks) Social Club in Westbourne Road.

It will be an afternoon of reminiscing, live music and fund-raising in aid of a motor neurone disease charity.

The reunion is being organised by former Rangers player Dwane Douglas who recently lost a close friend to motor neurone disease.

He was part of the team’s under 13 and under 15 side.

Dwane said: “A lot of the lads live out of town.

“One lives in Qatar and another in London, so it’s very rare I see most of them.

“Three can’t make it, but hopefully the rest can.

“It is also an open invitation to all King Oswy Rangers ex-players.”

The team included players who went onto enjoy success on the pitch at a higher level.

Billy Stubbs played for England Under 17s and was signed by Brian Clough for Nottingham Forest in 1981.

And Paul Proudlock went on to play for Middlesbrough, Carlisle, and Hartlepool.

The reunion starts from 4pm and is open to everyone.

Rangers’ former manager Billy Lodge is due to attend.

On the bill for the evenings entertainment is top Hartlepool band Dig The Old Breed, and popular Irish singer Dan Donnelly.

Entry is free and there will be an honesty box, football cards and a raffle.

Proceeds will go to the Doddie Weir Foundation, named after the Newcastle Falcons rugby player who has motor neurone disease.

The foundation funds research into the as yet uncureable condition.

Dwane added: “I lost a very good friend recently to motor neurone disease.

“We were thinking about doing something and when he passed away we made our mind up to do this straightaway.

“We are hoping to raise as much as we can which we will send off the foundation.”