Shepshed to host DW Trophy

Shepshed’s Dovecote Stadium will play host to the DW Trophy 2012 in memory of their former Director, Secretary and Grounds man Dave Wheatley.

The game will take place on Sunday 27th May with a 3.00pm kick off with a Dynamo XI taking on an All Star XI made up of former professionals and non-league stars with proceeds donated to British Heart Foundation and East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The ‘DW Trophy Charity Fund’ was set up in Dave’s memory after the respected non-league figure passed away suddenly on 4th July last year. He left behind a legacy connected not only to his personal life, but also within the circle of friends and clubs up and down the length and breadth of the country with his dedication to Shepshed Dynamo FC and involvement within the world of non-league football in general.

As a direct consequence, it was the family’s wish that an annual ‘charity’ football match be held in his memory with proceeds donated to the aforementioned together with a separate ‘Evening of Live Music’ event to be held later during the calendar year.

Tickets for both the football match and the live music event can now be pre-booked and purchased, with further details on the official web site at www.dwtrophy.org.uk , Donations can also be made on line or cheques can be made payable to ‘DW Trophy Charity Fund’ and sent to c/o Shepshed Dynamo FC clearly marked DW Trophy, tickets will also be made available on the turnstile.

The live music event will be held at Ibstock WMC on Sunday 26th August from 7.00pm with guest appearances from already confirmed local bands Mojo Hand (R&B band) and Propshaft (band) together with Bluewave Disco. There will also be a charity auction following donations from Nottingham Forest, Burton Albion, Northampton Town, Watford, MK Dons and Leicester City - Tickets for the bank holiday event are priced at £5.00, with the Charity Match Tickets just £3.00 each.

Instrumental in organising the events, son and Chairman of the ‘DW Trophy Charity Fund’, Craig Wheatley said “We are certainly overwhelmed with the support we have had towards the forthcoming events. Although it is only right to have the inaugural game at the Dovecote, it is hoped that future games will take place at the various other football clubs my father had connections with. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our official partners Touchline Sports, PHTS, and Bond Street Trophies.

“Whilst the football match itself will be played in memory of my late father, it is without question that we also wanted to create an everlasting opportunity for the world of non-league football to raise funds not only for the East Midlands Ambulance Service but for the British Heart Foundation as well - another reason why we would like to take the ‘DW Trophy’ on the road.”

Already confirmed for the All Stars are former Leicester City favourites Matt Elliott, Ian Marshall, Ali Mauchlen, Phil Gilchrist along with Jon Stevenson, Sam McMahon and Martin Fox. Hinckley United manager Dean Thomas together with Micky Holmes, Brian Quailey, Chris Hill and former players from Dave’s previous club’s being represented by Dave Ison, Carl Pettit, Dean Smith and Shaun Hession.

Full squad details will be updated on the official website, but hoping to make an appearance alongside their former team mates are Gary McAllister, Gary Mills, Mike Whitlow, Carl Muggleton, Julian Joachim and Trevor Benjamin.

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neil remains the high profile choice of ‘Guest’ manager for the All Stars and much will depend on Martin’s media work and commitments with the Premier League club.

“If there’s half an opportunity of linking up Martin with some of his former foxes then we will pursue every avenue available to bring the former Shepshed ‘Charterhouse’ manager back to the Dovecote” added Craig Wheatley.

Meanwhile, Shepshed’s former manager Lee Wilson will head up the management team of the Dynamo XI along with John Ramshaw who departed the club for the managerial post at relegation threatened Blue Square North side Eastwood Town last October. A host of former Dovecote favourites are expected to turn out to represent the club in an attempt to lift the DW Trophy.

Former player and manager Adam Stevens, now boss of Coalville Town, Gresley’s goalkeeper Gary Hateley who played under Dave Wheatley in his stints as caretaker boss at the Dovecote, will be joined by former players from the now NPL Evo-Stik Division One South Champions Grantham Town together with a host of other ex-Dynamo players that have featured over the past few years.

Those interested should contact either Lee Wilson or John Ramshaw in the first instance.

“I thought it would be a good idea to give the former players and management that had been involved at Shepshed in the time my father was involved at the club, the opportunity to pay their respects and honour one of the most professional non-league secretaries of his time” said Craig Wheatley.

Premier League Officials have confirmed they will officiate the DW Trophy on Sunday MAY 27th. Kevin Friend will referee the game that kicks off at 3.00pm, with Andy Newbold assisting. Football League assistant, Geoff Law will make up the high profile team with Leicestershire referee Peter Hill fourth official.

Sophie Jardine, BHF Fundraising Volunteer Manager in Leicestershire, added: “It is lovely that the events are being held in memory of Mr Wheatley, and we are extremely grateful for the support from Craig and his team, although of course it’s always very sad when it’s under such tragic circumstances.

“As a charity the BHF rely on donations and fundraising events just like these as we spend £92 every minute of every day on heart research. Thank you to all involved for supporting the BHF and I hope both events are a huge success.”

Phil Milligan, Chief Executive at East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We are privileged to be involved in the events held in the memory of Mr Wheatley, and we are grateful to his family for their continued support and generosity to our organisation and the British Heart Foundation with whom we work very closely.”

For more details on the DW Trophy and Live Music Event visit the official web site at www.dwtrophy.org.uk or email event@dwtrophy.org.uk

For more information about the BHF or how you can help raise funds to help beat heart disease, contact Sophie Jardine, BHF Fundraising Volunteer Manager on 01773 822302 or jardines@bhf.org.uk.