Liverpool legend launches new partnership

Liverpool and England legend Phil Neal is kicking off a new partnership between AFC Liverpool and the EVO-STIK League’s Mariners.

The most decorated player in Liverpool history, pictured, will be the main guest and speaker at a fundraising ‘hot-pot’ night at the Arriva Stadium in November, the first joint venture between the clubs since AFC Liverpool began ground-sharing there this season.

Tickets for the event on Friday 21 November went on sale this week priced at £25 with the proceeds set to be split between the clubs on the number of tickets sold by each. Liverpool-based comedian Peter McCole is also booked to entertain supporters.

As manager of Bolton Wanderers in 1991, Neal signed former Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer from the Mariners before his £4.5million move to the Reds in 1995. Now 63, Neal is one of the most successful English players of all time, having won eight First Divisions, four League Cups, five FA Charity Shields, four European Cups, one UEFA Cup and one UEFA Super Cup during his eleven years at Liverpool.

Throughout his Liverpool career, he never missed a league game for the club, playing 365 consecutive matches from 1975 to 1983 before the sequence was finally brought to a halt after injury forced him out of one solitary match. He retired from playing in 1989 after making more than 700 top flight appearances, including 50 caps for England.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "This is the first fundraising event that we are to stage with our new ground-share partner AFC Liverpool and we are delighted in this instance that Liverpool legend Phil Neal has agreed to be our main guest for this very special evening for both clubs.

"Phil Neal as manager of Bolton Wanderers had close contact with Marine in the early 90’s when he secured the signing of Jason McAteer who later joined Liverpool and played for the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup finals. I look forward to the evening which I am sure will be a sell-out."

AFC Liverpool Chairman Chris Stirrup added: "As Paul has said this is our first joint fund-raiser and it is yet another example of how well the ground-share is proving for both sides and having one of, not only Liverpool FC’s most decorated players but one of Europe’s, will make the night extra special for us. We are thrilled to welcome Phil to the Arriva Stadium."

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