Joe Royle and Willie Donachie will join a stellar line-up of big names supporting a Charity Match at Southport Football Club this August to support local families impacted by the Southport tragedy last year.
The special game is organised by Southport FC and Southport Hesketh Round Table and will take place at Haig Avenue from 3pm on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Tickets are avialable here.
A Southport FC spokesperson said: “We are extremely proud to announce that footballing royalty Joe Royle and Willie Donachie are set to attend our upcoming charity match, held in honour of 24 families directly affected by the tragic events of last summer.
“Royle was the last manager to deliver a trophy at Everton, winning the FA Cup in 1995, as well as improving league form drastically, establishing himself as a club icon – following a long and successful spell as a player too.
“Prior to this, Joe had also spent 12 years as manager of Oldham Athletic, winning the old Second Division as well as becoming League Cup runners up, seeing him strongly linked to the England job.
“Following his spell at Everton, he would also spend time managing both Manchester City and Ipswich Town, as well as returning to Oldham on a temporary basis.
“As a player, Joe made a huge 270 appearances for Everton, scoring 119 goals in the process, and playing a pivotal role in Everton’s 1969-70 title win, as top scorer. He then joined Manchester City, where he helped to win the 1976 League Cup, before joining Bristol City and then later Norwich City – winning player of the year in 1981.
“Joe will be joined by his former assistant, Willie Donachie, who was by his side during Everton’s cup win in 1995, as well as at Oldham Athletic from 1984 onwards and at Manchester City too.
“Donachie began his playing career with Manchester City as a junior, turning professional in 1968, and establishing himself as the starting left-back in 1970. He would go on to make over 300 appearances for them, in which he appeared in two League Cup finals as well as winning the 1972 FA Charity Shield.
“He left in 1979 to join NASL side Portland Timbers, where he returned after a stint back in England with Norwich City. Willie would also spend time at Burnley, then joining Oldham in 1984 and amassing 169 appearances. He was also successful on an international level, picking up 35 Scotland caps throughout his career.
“Donachie will also be familiar with our club, having recently served a spell as manager of our women’s team, after a managerial spell at Millwall as well as other coaching roles such as at Hartlepool United and Accrington Stanley.
“Join us at the Charity Match this August by securing your tickets here.
“There will be food and drink available to purchase, alongside live music, generating fun for all the family, and allowing us to honour 24 families directly affected by the tragic events of last summer.”
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