Gallagher booked by Mead

Former FIFA and Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher is set to be the star turn at the inaugural Sportsmen's Evening at Thamesmead Town's new home.

Gallagher, pictured, now a regular on Sky Sports and winning fans for his analysis of the game and defence of his former colleagues, is appearing at the Ryman North club's brand new facilities at Sporting Club Thamesmead on Thursday 31 October.

Town's multi-million pound renovation of Bayliss Avenue saw the official opening of the new community stadium complex in July and Gallagher, 56, a distant relative of Oasis rock star brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, will be joined on stage for the 'Man in Black at Halloween' by comic Adger Brown.

Brown is a 25-year-veteran of the corporate and sporting after-dinner circuit and known as a consummate professional who's performed with sports stars and celebrities at events up and down the country. A barker with The Variety Club of Great Britain, he's a proud member of the Grand Order of Water Rats and a regular face at The Variety Club Golfing Society's fundraisers.

Gallagher first took up the whistle in 1978 and was elected to the linesmen's list of the Football League in 1985. Five years later he became a Football League referee at the age of only 33 and progressed to the FIFA list in 1994 after only three and a half seasons.

He was one of the top officials at Euro 96 and was the first referee since 1994 to be granted an extension beyond the domestic retirement age of forty-eight in 2006. He took charge of his last top flight game in May 2007 when Liverpool played Charlton Athletic.

Doors at Sporting Club Thamesmead open at 7pm with 'The Man in Black at Halloween' kicking off at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £35.00 per person; tables for ten guests can also be booked in advance for £350. For more information and tickets contact Mike Green via email at: commercialttfc@live.co.uk. Alternatively, call 07845 751319.