Ladies star joins Reds legend

After announcing in early September that Liverpool and Republic of Ireland legend Whelan had agreed to be the guest of honour at the Marine Travel Arena on Friday 21 October, the Mariners confirmed the former Everton Ladies stopper's attendance at the 'hot-pot' evening in the stadium's College Suite on Monday night.

Now a BBC pundit covering the women's game and an ambassador for Marine's community partners Everton in the Community, the 36-year-old, pictured, played for Liverpool Ladies from 1995 to 1998 and Everton Ladies from 2003 until 2014 with spells in between in the US at Alabama Crimson and the Pittsburgh Panthers.

After making her debut for the England women in 1997, she went on won over 80 caps and represented her country in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and UEFA Women's Euro 2009. She was also selected in the Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics.

Whelan, the gifted successor to Ray Kennedy on the left flank of Liverpool's midfield after being signed by Bob Paisley in 1979 for £35,000, made a massive contribution to the club's majestic triumphs in the 1980s under Paisley and then Kenny Daglish, winning six League title medals, two FA Cups, a European Cup and three Milk Cup medals.

Along the way he scored 73 times in 493 appearances in 14 seasons at Anfield. As an international, he made 53 appearances for the Republic of Ireland over a remarkable 15 seasons and scored three times for his country.

Marine chairman Paul Leary is looking forward to hosting the event and sharing the proceeds with their North West Counties Football League tenants.

He said: “We are really pleased that Liverpool legend Ronnie Whelan and former England Women’s and Everton and Liverpool Ladies goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis have agreed to be our main guests at this important fundraising event for both clubs.

"This is our first fundraising dinner for nearly a year and I anticipate that the evening will be a sell-out. Once again I am delighted that our friends from AFC Liverpool have also agreed to host the evening with us in what will be a superb night at the Marine Travel Arena.”

AFC Liverpool Chairman Chris Stirrup urged fans to buy their tickets early for the first event since Liverpool legend Phil Neal was guest of honour at last season's inaugural fundraiser.

He said: “As Paul has said, we are really excited to have Ronnie and Rachel as our main guests and it has all the makings of another great evening. As always, this night will be a great way to get together with friends, family and colleagues and support both clubs in the process. It'll definitely sell out so get your tickets!”

Tickets are priced £25. To book call Paul Leary on 07855 275722, Peter McCormack on 07779 719080 or the Marine Clubrooms on 0151 924 1743.

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