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Two players have earned a reprieve on the Celebrities' team - Iwan Thomas and a surprise for Jim Alexander.
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Graham Taylor announced his final 11 to the Celebrities after Dane Bowers became the fourth and final player to be voted out of the squad.
For the second year Dane has missed out on the chance of playing at St James’ Park and as he said his goodbyes to the squad, Iwan Thomas was clearly relieved to have been saved.
Once Dane had left the Training Camp, the manager ran through his starting 11, but also dealt a surprise when he announced the return of Jim Alexander to the squad.
Because Peter Shilton is struggling with a calf injury, the legends are bringing in a third goalkeeper and under FA rules each team must be equal, so Jim has earned a reprieve – much to Graham’s relief as he preferred him over Phil. But what about Tuffers?
“Can I get changed?” the goalkeeper asked.
“Of course,” Graham reassured Phil. “You’re in the squad and you’re changed.”
After Graham had left the lads were given an impromptu team talk by Darren Campbell and Harvey who didn’t pull their punches.
“Obviously, there’s been tensions but right now this is the squad and whatever feelings you have about any individual ended right then,” said Darren.
“We’re now a squad and if we’re gonna win we’ve got to be a team. If we’re not a team, serious, we will get slaughtered. We are a team, get that in your head. We go and win and die together.”
Harvey added, “I’m gonna die for every man. If we get battered you’ve got live with that. If you’re not prepared to battle, don’t step on the pitch!”
Iwan continued to show his gratitude to the voting public as the team retired for the night, saying his thank yous to the cameras before he wrapped up a good night for him with a bit of a cheeky moon. That’s the spirit.
The Celebrities starting line-up is:
Lawler
Pickard
Little
Shephard
Jones
Craig
Olivier
Wilkes ©
Campbell
Hutton
Harvey
Subs: Mellor, Young, Scott-Lee, Tufnell, Thomas, McGuiness
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