A FORMER Yeadon man, well-known in local soccer circles, has organised a charity soccer match to be played on Sunday.

Dave Fell, now from Eccleshill, suffered a brain aneurysm at his home three months ago. He was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary and was immediately transferred to the LGI where he underwent a seven-hour operation.

Dave has linked up with former Leeds United player Brendan Ormsby to stage the match at Farsley Celtic's Throstle Nest ground.

Football legend Peter Lorimer is just one of the former Leeds United stars who has promised to turn out to help raise funds for the neuro-surgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary.

Lorimer will join other ex-players who will take on a team of doctors and nurses from the hospital with a 3pm kick-off.

Fell, known as the 'Mr A-Z of football' because of his contacts in the game, is a former Leeds United schoolboy player and also spent five years on the coaching and scouting staff at the club.

He has also played and managed at a number of non-league clubs including Farsley Celtic, Harrogate Town, Collingham, Hatfield Main, Tadcaster Albion, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Bradford Sunday League sides Albion Sports and Stanley Road as well as former Yeadon side Shaw Lane Sports.

Fell said that he suffered severe headaches and sickness followed by a loss of consciousness. His wife and daughter were away at the time but when he rang his wife saying he did not feel well she rang his fireman brother Charlie.

He arrived at the house to find Fell unconscious and he got him to hospital.

He was seriously ill and in hospital for three weeks. As is his wont he started chatting to the nurses about football.

Fell said: " I wanted to show my appreciation for the doctors and nurses who saved my life. I was chatting to two of the nurses one day and the conversation got around to football. We hit on the idea of a charity football match to raise some much-needed funds for the unit."

Fell got on to his friend and former Leeds United player Brendan Ormsby and he set about getting the ex-players together.

Players who have also confirmed they will play include father and son duo Terry and Jordan Yorath, Scott Sellars, Peter Haddock, John Stiles, Nigel Samson, John Hendrie, Andy Ritchie, Neil Aspin, John McClelland, John Pearson, Bobby McDonald, Bobby Shields and Brendan Ormsby as well as Guiseley manager Neil Parsley. He was Howard Wilkinson's first signing for Leeds United.

Others who will also take part are former Leeds United coach Jimmy Lumsden, who is now first-team coach at Premiership Everton.

Leeds United and England Ladies player Lucy Ward may also turn out in the game.

Guiseley defender and former Farsley Celtic player Steve Ball is playing for the doctors and nurses side, which will also include his teammate Lee Connor and some celebrity guests.

Ball suffered a similar aneurysm while playing for Farsley in a match at Gateshead two seasons ago.

Fell says: "It's great that these people have given their time for the day to raise money for this worthwhile cause. We are also hoping to have a few more guest celebrities turn up on the day."

He added: "I am supposed to be taking it easy but I have had a few sleepless nights over this game. I'll be glad when it's all over."

LGI Staff Nurse Simon Normally said: "I want to say a really big thank you to Dave and Brendan and everyone else who has helped organise the game. It is a tremendous gesture. We look after and treat people like Dave on a daily basis and its nice to know that he is recovering."

Admission to the game is £4 adults and £2 concessions, payable on the gate. There will also be other fundraising events on the day including a raffle. Refreshments will also be available.