CHELSEA AT FULL-STRENGTH FOR OPENING OMAGH BOMB FUND FRIENDLY
Chelsea at full - strength for opening Omagh bomb Fund friendly
GERMAN superstar, Jurgen Klinsman, has made a substantial donation to the Omagh Fund, it was disclosed on Tuesday.
The surprise announcement came just hours after Chelsea had confirmed they were to bring a full-strength first team squad to Omagh for Wednesday's glamour friendly at St. Julian's Road.
"Gianluca Vialli faxed me this morning to say he would have Chris Sutton and his other close-season signings in the party, along with all his star names from last season," smiled Town supremo, Roy McCreadie.
The Town manager also revealed that a four-figure cheque from former Spurs striker, Klinsman, had been donated to the Omagh Fund, and that the German had written him a personal letter to apologise for his inability to guest for him.
In his letter Klinsman explained he had finally arrived home after travelling for many months to several countries across the world, and simply wanted to put his gifted feet up.
Wishing McCreadie every success, he said: "I have allowed myself to enclose a small donation."
The Town chief said Klinsman's action was indicative of the camaraderie which existed among footballers worldwide.
"I am disappointed that Jurgen is unable to play against Chelsea on Wednesday as originally hoped, but his tremendous gesture to the Omagh Fund is greatly appreciated, and we at Omagh Town are very grateful for what he has done," he added.
Klinsman apart, the Omagh boss said he had no intentions of fielding any other guests against the Londoners.
"Of course, I do hope to be able to include a number of past Town Players, such as Tom Mohan, Eamonn Kavanagh, and Michael McHugh, but, unfortunately, Liam Coyle has picked up an injury and is not fit," he said.
However, he confirmed he had ordered five training sessions for his players, and booked a game with Finn Harps in Ballybofey on Sunday, in preparation for the match. That game kicks off at 4pm.
Appealing to Chelsea ticket holders to arrive at St. Julian's Road as early as possible, and to obey instructions issued by police and stewards, McCreadie said there was a full bill of pre-match entertainment laid on, including a junior match between Buncrana and players from the Omagh Town Soccer Academy.
He went on: "That match kicks off shortly after six o'clock. But, in essence, we want this entire operation to go off as smoothly as possible, and we want to bring a bit of enjoyment to as many people as possible.
"I want to appeal to spectators to co-operate with the RUC and stewards. We have greatly appreciated all their assistance to date. The police have put in a lot of hard work co-ordinating the whole operation, and experienced stewards are coming from all over the Province, and giving their services voluntarily.
"There is a site meeting at the ground on Friday morning, involving Health and Safety officials, the RUC, the seating contractors and steward representatives, and I would ask ticket holders to listen to and obey PA instructions issued pursuant to that meeting.
"I trust everyone will we well behaved. Certainly the players will do all in their power to make it a night to remember, a proud night. Chelsea, too, have made a great gesture in naming a full strength travelling squad. They have been very helpful from day one.
"I want everyone to enjoy the occasion, to appreciate what Chelsea are doing at this time, and to remember the reason why they are at St. Julian's Road.
"We want it to be a memorable occasion, and I am sure that it will be, although it is a sad time as well."
There will be no parking availability in the vicinity of the ground, and club officials have advised locals to walk to St. Julian's Road, where space is being allocated to team coaches, and others holding official passes only.
Mr. Paddy Hunter, club PRO, added: "We are also erecting a hospitality marquee in the car park, and arranging for the sale of souvenir programmes through official club channels, and limited edition merchandising.
"Spectators without a car park pass will be directed to the town centre car parks, although we have agreed conditions for the opening of Healy Park, St. Patrick's Park, and the Showgrounds."
A few tickets still remain for the game, and can be purchased from the ticket office at St. Julian's Road.
And McCreadie warned: "Despite our plea last week for those who had not collected their tickets for this game or for the visit of Manchester United on August 3 to do so immediately, there are still quite a few uncollected.
"If they are not paid for by five o'clock tomorrow (Friday), they will be offered for resale from 11am on Saturday morning."
The ticket office can be contacted by telephone (01662) 243228.
GERMAN superstar, Jurgen Klinsman, has made a substantial donation to the Omagh Fund, it was disclosed on Tuesday.
The surprise announcement came just hours after Chelsea had confirmed they were to bring a full-strength first team squad to Omagh for Wednesday's glamour friendly at St. Julian's Road.
"Gianluca Vialli faxed me this morning to say he would have Chris Sutton and his other close-season signings in the party, along with all his star names from last season," smiled Town supremo, Roy McCreadie.
The Town manager also revealed that a four-figure cheque from former Spurs striker, Klinsman, had been donated to the Omagh Fund, and that the German had written him a personal letter to apologise for his inability to guest for him.
In his letter Klinsman explained he had finally arrived home after travelling for many months to several countries across the world, and simply wanted to put his gifted feet up.
Wishing McCreadie every success, he said: "I have allowed myself to enclose a small donation."
The Town chief said Klinsman's action was indicative of the camaraderie which existed among footballers worldwide.
"I am disappointed that Jurgen is unable to play against Chelsea on Wednesday as originally hoped, but his tremendous gesture to the Omagh Fund is greatly appreciated, and we at Omagh Town are very grateful for what he has done," he added.
Klinsman apart, the Omagh boss said he had no intentions of fielding any other guests against the Londoners.
"Of course, I do hope to be able to include a number of past Town Players, such as Tom Mohan, Eamonn Kavanagh, and Michael McHugh, but, unfortunately, Liam Coyle has picked up an injury and is not fit," he said.
However, he confirmed he had ordered five training sessions for his players, and booked a game with Finn Harps in Ballybofey on Sunday, in preparation for the match. That game kicks off at 4pm.
Appealing to Chelsea ticket holders to arrive at St. Julian's Road as early as possible, and to obey instructions issued by police and stewards, McCreadie said there was a full bill of pre-match entertainment laid on, including a junior match between Buncrana and players from the Omagh Town Soccer Academy.
He went on: "That match kicks off shortly after six o'clock. But, in essence, we want this entire operation to go off as smoothly as possible, and we want to bring a bit of enjoyment to as many people as possible.
"I want to appeal to spectators to co-operate with the RUC and stewards. We have greatly appreciated all their assistance to date. The police have put in a lot of hard work co-ordinating the whole operation, and experienced stewards are coming from all over the Province, and giving their services voluntarily.
"There is a site meeting at the ground on Friday morning, involving Health and Safety officials, the RUC, the seating contractors and steward representatives, and I would ask ticket holders to listen to and obey PA instructions issued pursuant to that meeting.
"I trust everyone will we well behaved. Certainly the players will do all in their power to make it a night to remember, a proud night. Chelsea, too, have made a great gesture in naming a full strength travelling squad. They have been very helpful from day one.
"I want everyone to enjoy the occasion, to appreciate what Chelsea are doing at this time, and to remember the reason why they are at St. Julian's Road.
"We want it to be a memorable occasion, and I am sure that it will be, although it is a sad time as well."
There will be no parking availability in the vicinity of the ground, and club officials have advised locals to walk to St. Julian's Road, where space is being allocated to team coaches, and others holding official passes only.
Mr. Paddy Hunter, club PRO, added: "We are also erecting a hospitality marquee in the car park, and arranging for the sale of souvenir programmes through official club channels, and limited edition merchandising.
"Spectators without a car park pass will be directed to the town centre car parks, although we have agreed conditions for the opening of Healy Park, St. Patrick's Park, and the Showgrounds."
A few tickets still remain for the game, and can be purchased from the ticket office at St. Julian's Road.
And McCreadie warned: "Despite our plea last week for those who had not collected their tickets for this game or for the visit of Manchester United on August 3 to do so immediately, there are still quite a few uncollected.
"If they are not paid for by five o'clock tomorrow (Friday), they will be offered for resale from 11am on Saturday morning."
The ticket office can be contacted by telephone (01662) 243228.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1375
Published Date: 22-Jul-99
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