FORMER Blackpool and England captain, Jimmy Armfield OBE will be guest of honour at Kirkham & Wesham's nail biting FA Vase Semi-Final, First-Leg against Needham Market at Kellamergh Park on Saturday, in what has been billed as the clubs biggest ever match.
Kirkham president David Haythornthwaite said: "Jimmy and my dad are old friends and l'm delighted he is coming along to watch us on our big day.
"It's great to see him looking so well again after his recent illness - he is most welcome."
Armfield capped 43 times for his country, and many of those as skipper, also made a mammoth 569 appearances for the Seasiders between 1954 and 1971.
And Kirkham will be hoping to impress their honoured guest in the best possible style by taking a vital first-leg lead down to Suffolk for the second-leg in a week's time, March 29.
Manager Mick Fuller said: "I've had a look at Needham and l have to say that they are beatable.
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"Like us they didn't perform last Saturday and were doubtless looking to the Cup tie rather than their league form.
"I can't comment on our performance against New Mills as l was down in Suffolk (Kirkham lost 4-0 at home for the first time this term to table
topping New Mills) but what I will say is that I will have made it clear to the players in no uncertain terms what we have to do."
Kirkham are calling on the local community who backed their attendance in the previous round against Coventry to come out in force on Saturday and cheer the side on to what could be a possible lucrative final date at Wembley on Sunday, May 11.
President Haythornthwaite added: "Many of the fans enjoyed a great day out last time, whether that was in our Hospitality area or just soaking up the rather special FA Vase atmosphere.
"We are so close now that you can almost touch Wembley and l'm hoping the fans will again back us in the right way - by coming along on Saturday.
"We need their vocal support.
"It should be quite an occasion."
Corporate Hospitality places are still available in the tented village behind the main stand at Kellamergh Park on Saturday from 12noon and these
can be reserved by calling 01253 667431.
Tables are priced at £350 for 10 plus vat, or £40 per head +vat, where former Burnley star Steve Kindon will be the resident guest in attendance in hospitality.
Tickets for the big game itself are selling fast and these too should be reserved in advance to avoid disappointment at the gate as a 1,500 crowd
limit has been set.
Fans should call at Escape On The Hill' in Kirkham or at Kirkham Sports to buy tickets, or call 01772 685049.
A FREE Park & Ride scheme has been set up with BAe Systems at Warton and fans going to the game are advised that there will be no parking at the
ground, but to use Car Park T at BAe in Mill Lane to get to the game in comfort.
There are also coaches set to leave Kirkham Town Centre at regular intervals during the early afternoon from: Lane Ends at 2pm, The Swan Hotel at 2.05pm and Market Square at 2.10pm.
Tickets cost £2 return and MUST be booked in advance at Kirkham Macs taxis on 01772 683003.
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