TWO Workington players who went on to enjoy successful spells with county rivals Barrow are to be re-united for the Reds in next month’s match with the Liverpool Legends.

Billy Gilmour and Gary Messenger have accepted invitations to be part of the Reds Select against the Legends at Borough Park on Sunday, July 26.

Both were team-mates at Holker Street in the 1989/90 season when Barrow made it all the way to Wembley in the FA Trophy final – although neither started the game.

Although he was a member of the official party Messenger wasn’t in the squad because he was Cup-tied.

“I had played for Workington against North Shields in an earlier round so couldn’t play for Barrow in the later rounds.

“I wouldn’t care I could have missed that game because I knew I was going to Barrow but I wanted to make a point as North Shields had just appointed Colin Richardson as manager, and he got rid of me at Newcastle Blue Star,” said Messenger.

Gilmour, who still plays regularly in the West Cumbria Over-35’s, was a substitute at Wembley but got a feel of the hallowed turf when he came on for the final quarter in the 3-0 win over Leek Town.

“It will be good to run out at Borough Park again, particularly because of who we will be playing. I’m looking forward to it immensely,” he said.

Two other ex-Workington players who subsequently put in stints with Barrow – Tony Chilton (he also played in the Wembley final) and Mark Dobie – have had to turn down the opportunity to line-up against Liverpool.

Chilton is involved in a golfing week-end out of the county – arranged some time ago – while Dobie is still recovering from a cartilage operation.

Both have expressed their disappointment at not being able to play and have sent their best wishes for a successful afternoon.

Proceeds from the game will go to charity and match tickets (£10) are on sale at various local outlets – and reported to be going well.

*Seen cuddling in the picture above are Phil Neal and Garry Messenger last time they met in November at a Workington. sportsman's dinner. Will they be cuddling up again on July 26?

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