The opportunity to relive these special moments and to be part of sporting history is now possible with Legends in Sport. |
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Jimmy Greaves
The England goalscoring legend gave everyone a scare on the evening – a lorry fire meant he was stuck on the M40 motorway for 3 hours.
Reminiscent of his playing days, he timed his arrival at the newly refurbished Park Hall to perfection, receiving a rousing reception from the 200 plus guests.
And Jimmy didn't hang about, taking the microphone from compere, Paul Franks, to deliver a 15 minute stand up routine which brought the house down. He then took part in the popular question and answer session, recounting tales of his playing days in Italy, his World Cup disappointment and his on field encounters with Liverpool's Tommy Smith.
Another memorable evening for all concerned.
Frank Bruno
The former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Frank Bruno was the latest in the line of top sporting names to be guest speaker at a Legends in Sport dinner at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton.
Once again, the dinner was compered by Radio WM's Paul Franks, who encouraged the audience to give Frank a true hero's welcome and soon the whole room was chanting: "Bruno, Bruno, Bruno."
Frank was in great form as he reminisced about his career from his early beginnings when he was the youngest winner of the ABA Heavyweight title to his World Heavyweight title fights against the best in the business.
He talked about 'that punch' which rocked Mike Tyson and his unforgettable first round K O of Gerrie Coetzee in a final eliminator to give him his first crack at a world title fight.
Gazza and Beardsley
Another memorable night at the Wolverhampton Park Hall with two Geordie footballing legends, Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley. Gazza got the evening off to a flying start by explaining why he was smoking, “I've tried everything else to kill myself, so I thought I might as well have a go at this!”
Compered by Radio West Midland's Paul Franks (Franksy), the duo gave an interesting and often hilarious insight into their careers both on and off the field. Looking extremely slim and fit, Gazza was very forthcoming about his personal problems, in particular his battle with the booze. He also explained why he joined Spurs instead of Manchester United, and his regret at not being sent off before his reckless tackle in the FA Cup final.
Peter was the perfect foil for Gazza, as a player and on the evening. His views on the current England set up and the situation at local club, Wolves, were supported by many in the audience. He has recently joined the youth set up at Newcastle where he will surely be a major asset.
To their credit, the two of them signed a host of autographs for the guests who came to see them. None of them went away disappointed.
Available, also, are some Gazza and Beardsley signed memorabilia. Again, get in touch if you are interested in an autographed photo or book, properly authenticated. Either would make the perfect Christmas gift for any true football fan.
World Cup Heroes Reunited
As far as sporting legends are concerned, they don't come much bigger than England's goalscoring heroes of the 1966 World Cup Final – Martin Peters MBE and Sir Geoff Hurst. Both stars were guests at the most recent Legends in Sport dinner held on 8th June 2004 at Wolverhampton's Park Hall hotel, and how refreshing to hear such modest accounts of their contributions to their country's most famous footballing occasion. Each was keen to emphasise the important part played by all the members of the 22 man squad and, of course, the inspiring influence of manager, Sir Alf Ramsey.
Compere Bob Hall of Central TV was the consumate professional, introducing video footage of the finals and staging a series of relaxed interview sessions with the two guests. A bonus for the fanatical diners was the attendance of local football hero, Ron Flowers, a member of the 1966 winning squad who was invited to join his former playing colleagues for a unique photo with a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy.
Wolves at Wembley 1974
The Legends in Sport event in March 2004 was a classic, with the old Wolves boys of the 1974 League Cup winning team getting together for a good old knees up (old knees being the appropriate phrase here!). Together with 300 guests they were treated to video highlights of their game, interviews and an uproarious performance from comedian Jimmy Quinn (starring 4 of the players – see photos). Carling sponsored the event and kindly sent the trophy for captain Mike Bailey to raise above his head once more. The players were in top form, proving to themselves and all around them that although they may not run, kick and jump like they used to, they can still enjoy themselves better than ever! Alan Sunderland with that fantastic head of hair that we all remember fondly had travelled all the way from Malta to join his teammates. His final comment of the evening, at around 4.30am just as his eyes were closing, summed it all up “What a ******* great night.”
Corporate Dinners
What better way to thank your staff or to impress your customers?
A bespoke sporting dinner or lunch, with a top sporting guest. Have an informal chat over a meal, photos of your staff and customers with your celebrity guest, and personalised memorabilia as a lasting memento of the special occasion.
Recent Legends in Sport dinners have been held with 1966 goalkeeping hero, Gordon Banks, and Wolves' goalscoring legend, Steve Bull.
For details contact steve@legendsinsport.com