Testimonial tribute to super slatwart

Kicking off at the The Texo Stadium at 12 noon, the family themed event to honour the club's president will feature a host of attractions including a licenced bar, live music, cake stalls, face-painting and a bouncy castle as well as a big match between two teams of Swifts legends.

Former players already signed up to appear in the 2pm kick-off include Luke Callander, Ollie Morris Sanders, Adam Gillespie, Michael Shinn, Wayne bond, Mark Hawkes, Barry Lakin, Tim Bruce, Ian Cousins, Gareth Street and David Greene.

Gibson, who is also a director of the Ryman League, has been an ever-present on the club's committee for the last 60 years and officials at Scraley Road are organising the event to pay tribute to the club's former vice-chairman and chairman who has seen many hundreds of players come and go over the years.

A spokesman said: "Michael "Mick" Gibson has dedicated most of his life to Heybridge Swifts Football Club. He has been chairman, vice chairman and is currently the club president. Today we hope to have some of the stars of the past 50 years on show, both on and off the pitch, to show their appreciation for "Mr Heybridge Swifts".

Tickets are priced at £8 for adults with U16s going free. For more information visit the club's official website at:

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