Waddle to face United

By Matthew Jones
August 6 2002

Newcastle legend Chris Waddle will line up against his old club for Gateshead in a summer friendly this week. Waddle has agreed to play for his hometown club Gateshead in a crucial fundraiser for the cash-strapped UniBond League outfit this Friday. Newcastle legend Chris Waddle will line up against his old club for Gateshead in a summer friendly this week.

Waddle has agreed to play for his hometown club Gateshead in a crucial fundraiser for the cash-strapped UniBond League outfit this Friday.

"We're absolutely delighted," said Gateshead chairman John Gibson. "Chris played for England in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals when Bobby Robson was in charge, and for Marseille in the European Cup final - that's the sort of quality we're talking about."

Waddle, who played 190 games in a black and white shirt at the start of his career, added: "It will be fun to face a few of Newcastle's big names - I'm still fit enough to try my tricks!

"I'm looking forward to the game. Gateshead must not close and I hope Newcastle fans turn up in large numbers."

Bookmark or share this story with: