Workington Reds chairman John Mackay is hoping to see a sea of familiar faces return to Borough Park later this month for the Tony Hopper Memorial Trophy.

A Reds Legends team will play the current squad in what is expected to be the last ever game at Borough Park on May 18.

And Mackay believes this will be a fantastic opportunity for past players to reunite, while remembering former Reds legend Tony Hopper who sadly died last year with fundraising efforts.

“This is a great opportunity for some of our past stars to come and play and others who are maybe a little long in the tooth to also come along and be part of the day,” said Mackay. “Many fans have seen various teams come and go so it will be nice for everyone to have a chance to reminisce.”

Former players including Graham Goulding, Anthony Wright, Graham Anthony, Kevin Rowntree, Matt Henney, Derek Townsley, Lee Andrews and Dave Hewson are all expected to don their boots once more for the Legends team.

And Mackay is hopeful it could become an annual occasion.

“It should be a fun afternoon, the game won’t be too serious and there will be a family atmosphere,” added Mackay.

“If it is a success then it could be an annual event, a bit like we have the Shaun Hocking Memorial game each year with Whitehaven AFC.

“It is also nice to be able to recognise a legend of the club who can’t be there but his name will always be remembered. And Mike Yeoman has also kindly donated the trophy.”

The match, 2pm kick off, will be the highlight of a family fun day which will also feature a junior football competition and the live screening of the FA Cup Final.

The event starts at 10am with the junior tournament, before fans get their first chance to see Reds players past and present warming up at 1pm, after which chairman John Mackay will address the crowd on what should be an historic occasion.

The Legends will be introduced before the match, and medals awarded afterwards about 4pm. A big screen will be rolled onto the pitch so that fans can watch the FA Cup final live from Wembley, which kicks off at 5pm.

While the Manchester City v Watford game is shown, there will be children’s entertainment, foot golf, charity stalls, face painting and more.

Money will be raised on the day towards running costs for next season, as well as for the Tony Hopper Motor Neurone Appeal, set up in memory of the Reds legend.

There will be an auction in the Tony Hopper Bar at 7pm, at which fans can bid for items of memorabilia including players’ shirts from the day and parts of the famous old ground itself.

Entry to the day will be £8 adults, £4 children and seniors. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £20. Commemorative programmes will also be on sale. Reds’ shirt sponsors D Tolson & Son will sponsor the day.