THROSTLE Nest is gearing up for a big fixture a week on Sunday as Farsley boss Neil Parsley brings many of his former Leeds United team-mates together.

Parsley’s peers will be joined by players from more recent seasons at Elland Road as an all-star former Leeds United squad take on a squad assembled by John Sheridan for a benefit match for former skipper Brendan Ormsby.

Parsley said: “There are a lot of top players who want to be involved from my day and the likes of Lee Sharpe who came a little after. Phil Parkinson and Steve Parkin are going to be playing for John Sheridan’s side so there will be a bit of interest for the Bantams as well.

“It will be nice for me to see Bobby Davidson and Neil Aspin, Glyn Snodin is taking part and Nigel Martyn will be coming. Nigel plays cricket now and he’s playing Saturday so he said he doesn’t know what shape he’ll be in but it’s just great to see so many people wanting to get involved for Brendan.”

Davison was Guiseley boss when the club signed Parsley from Huddersfield Town and Parsley became his assistant before taking over the hot seat at Nethermoor himself as he began his managerial career.

Dean Windass and John Sheridan’s brother Darren have also been confirmed. Darren Sheridan had spells with Barnsley, Oldham Athletic and Wigan Athletic as a player and is a former manager of Salford City.

Gary McAllister, Simon Grayson, Ian Baird, John Newsome and Gary Kelly are also among the host of star names. European Cup winner Ormsby has been mounting a brave battle with the after-effects of a stroke he suffered.

Parsley said: "Brendan’s not too clever at the moment but he’s always been a battler and there’s no doubt that this is his biggest battle. I’ve been going up to see him twice a week while we’ve been making arrangements for this game.

“He doesn’t say much to me about his problems or his treatment but from what his family have told me the specialists can’t believe the progress he’s made. "He has surpassed expectations in his recovery and the experts think he will have a better quality of life than they thought possible.

“I just hope the sun shines and people come to see a load of overweight middle-aged ex-pros running - no let’s say brisk walking - around the Throstle Nest pitch. I’m sure it will be a great day and make people aware of Brendan’s fight.”

The match at Throstle Nest on Sunday, April 19, kicks off at 1pm. Tickets are £5 for all, available from Leeds United and Farsley.