Soldiers battle with Hearts heroes to net charity cash

VETERANS and serving soldiers are set to battle it out on the football pitch with a string of Hearts legends to raise funds for charity.

A team from veterans' charity Erskine, which runs a care home in Gilmerton, will face a side made up of ex-Hearts players, including Scott Crabbe, John Robertson and Gary Mackay.

The Erskine Select team, which will be led by W01 (RSM) Garrison Sergeant Major Graham White, of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, based at Edinburgh Castle, will feature army personnel from across Scotland - many of whom have served in Afghanistan - as well as a number of veterans.

Both sides will compete for The McCrae's Battalion Trophy - created especially for the tie - at Tynecastle Stadium on Monday afternoon.

To make the match even more memorable, Jim Jefferies' first-team squad will take part in an open training session beforehand for supporters to watch.

The players will train from noon on Monday and will be available to meet and greet fans afterwards.

W01 White said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the military to support Erskine and play against Hearts legends.

"Our hopes and aspirations for the match are not to let the legends' side get into double figures. It is a unique opportunity to be asked to captain the team and to get to play on the hallowed turf of Tynecastle Stadium. It is a great honour."

The inaugural clash will raise funds for both Erskine and the Heart of Midlothian FC Education and Community Trust.

There will be around 13 serving personnel playing for the Erskine Select team, as well as four veterans and a few supporters. They range in age from 33 to 52 years old.

Among the other stars taking part for the Hearts legends on the day will be Jimmy Sandison, Gary Sutherland and Colin Scott.

The side will be managed by Hearts community manager Alan White.

There will also be entertainment taking place in and around the stadium.

A Hearts spokesman said: "There will be plenty of activities throughout the day, including face painting, a mini one-on-one 'panna' football pitch set up on the concourse and a football speed cage for fans to test their shooting ability.

"Come along for a chance to meet your current Hearts heroes and to cheer on former favourites on what promises to be a fun-filled day."

Erskine chief executive Major Jim Panton added: "The Erskine Select team is gearing up for battle against the Hearts legends on Monday and we all can't wait to rise to the challenge of beating them on their own turf."We will be facing a team of experienced professionals but with the support of the army for this inaugural clash, we couldn't be better placed to push forward for victory.

"We hope that supporters of Hearts FC and Erskine join us on this special day and show their support for all the players involved."

The match will kick off at 1pm. Entry costs 3 per adult and 1 per child.