European giants coming to town!

The Seasiders are preparing to host a prestigious three day tournament at the end of July with the stars of Glasgow Celtic, AZ Alkmaar and Newcastle United all set to grace the Turnbull Ground pitch as Hardy's side get ready to improve on their sixth-placed finish to the last top flight campaign.

The festival of football on July 27, 28 and 29 has been sanctioned by the Football Association and is being staged two weeks before the new season kicks off on Saturday 12 August after the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division's Blues teamed up with entrepreneurs Dennis Hobson and Graeme Hinchliffe.

Blues manager Hardy said: “We’re set to take on some of football’s biggest names and all of us on the playing side of things are relishing the challenge.

"It’s a great chance for us to put the club on the map. In terms of generating interest ahead of a season where we’re aiming for play-offs and promotion, it couldn’t be better."

He added: “To see the Turnbull Ground packed with 2,000 people inside, in pre-season, would be fantastic.”

Kicking off at 7.45pm with a clash between Newcastle United and Celtic on Thursday 29 July before Whitby Town take on Dutch footballing giants AZ Alkmaar 24 hours later, the tournament reaches its climax on the Saturday with the losers meeting in a third-place play-off at lunchtime before the winners battle it out in the final for a specially-commissioned trophy, pictured.

Tickets prices for the fixtures have been set at £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3 for children. For more information and to book, visit the Whitby Town's official website at www.whitby-town.com.

Images courtesy of @WhitbyTownFC/Twitter

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