Banks takes on Pele at the Brit

It promises to be a great day at the Brit in July when a Gordon Banks XI takes on a Pele XI in a charity football match.

The match, in aid of African charities, will also feature Archbishop Desmond Tutu in an unfamiliar role as Pele’s assistant manager.

The great Pele is in Stoke to unveil a statue at the Brit in honour of his old friend and former Stoke City and England keeper, Gordon Banks and we’re sure that memories of ‘that save’ in the 1970 World Cup match between England and Brazil will be rekindled.

At the moment there are many former players and celebrities already lined up for the match on Saturday July 12th, including former Stoke player/manager (ok, not our best!) and Sky Sports pundit, Chris Kamara and former Potters’ players, Peter Beagrie and Mike Pejic.

Others expected include:
Ian Rush
John Barnes
Jan Molby
Peter Bonetti
Matt Le Tissier
Luther Blissett
Former England cricketer and Stoke fan, Dominic Cork
Members of the band Kasabian
Members of the band The Twang
Actor James Nesbitt
Actor Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster in Coronation Street)
Academy Award Nominee, and Director of The Bourne Ultimatum, Paul Greengrass
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell MP

There are other events lined up for the day, which starts at 2pm, including the City Schools Cup Final and live music from local bands.