A huge crowd is certain at Canvey Island's Park Lane ground at Sunday lunchtime as soccer fans pack in to see some of the game's great names of yesteryear in action.

Dream date - for brain tumour victim Gary Thompson (right) whose testimonial game on Sunday has been organised by Gulls' star Ty Gooden. Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

The match sees ex-England and Southend United boss Peter Taylor, who started his career with Gulls, leading a line-up against a side from Sky TV's cult Sunday night fictional soccer series Dream Team.

The game, to be kicked off by current Arsenal first team star Ray Parlour at 1pm, is a testimonial for Canvey schoolteacher Gary Thompson, who has a brain tumour.

It has been arranged by Canvey midfielder Ty Gooden, who played for Swindon and Gillingham in his full-time career and was taught by Gary at Castle View School on the island.

Former England and Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle is a definite starter and others hopefully pencilled include Southend United manager Steve Tilson, Billericay boss Justin Edinburgh and Welsh international goalkeeper Neville Southall.

There are hopes that Neil "Razor" Ruddock will also be there following his stint in ITV's reality show I'm a celebrity - get me out of here.

Gary spent 25 years in all teaching on the island, 10 at Furtherwick Park and 15 at Castle View.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold for Sunday's game. Entry is £6 for adults and £3 for children at the gate.

Published Friday March 5, 2004

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