Writer, broadcaster, and all-round angling expert John Bailey has been called up by Gordon Strachan to play for the Manchester United Legends team taking on Martin O’Neil’s Celtic Legends in a match being played at Celtic Park live on ITV and being beamed Worldwide.
The match on Tuesday the 9th August, 2011, is being produced by Toast, owners of The Legends, for ITV and is in Aid of the emerging crisis in East Africa.
Norfolk-based John, one of the most well travelled anglers alive today, has written over 50 books, presented and appeared on TV in various angling and countryside shows and soon to be seen as the face of Mr Crabtree in a new TV series.
Fishing has always been John’s passion but football has always run a close second. Football and fishing dominated Bailey’s early life. He was close to a career in professional football with trials at Stockport County, Macclesfield Town etc. but academic pressures eventually won out.
Lester Holcombe, executive Producer of the match says ‘I know John well and we have fished together several times, well he has fished and I have tried to keep up. I also know he is a decent player, so when we were talking about players and personalities, I mentioned JB to Gordon Strachan who had a look into it and put him into the squad. We have got legends such as Keane, Sheringham, Yorke, Dublin, Mclair alongside celebrities such as The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, Nigel Benn, Ricky Hatton, Tinchy Stryder, Ricky Whittle, Westlife and Blue playing against Celtic greats led by Henrik Larsson. It’s going to be a great night for a great cause and I know John will represent angling with flair.’
John Bailey says, ‘fishing and football, Manchester United in particular, have been my life’s passions. Being originally a Manchester lad I can even remember George Best’s first home game. It is a real honour to represent the great sport of angling at such a prestigious and worthwhile event and it is fantastic that so many top sportsmen and artists are giving up their time for such an important cause. I can’t wait to mark Larsson out of the game and explain to Keano exactly how to boss midfield!’
The match is the 9th game produced by the Legends for live broadcast in the UK and internationally. These matches have raised hundreds of thousands for charity and are watched by millions of people worldwide.
Tickets are now on general sale priced £10 Adult and £5 Concession. Call 0871 226 1888 or visit the Celtic Ticket Office.
The match is the 9th game produced by the Legends for live broadcast in the UK and internationally. These matches have raised hundreds of thousands for charity and are watched by millions of people worldwide.
Tickets are now on general sale priced £10 Adult and £5 Concession. Call 0871 226 1888 or visit the Celtic Ticket Office.
