Manchester United legend offers his support for Brighouse Town fundraiser

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has donated a “significant amount” towards Brighouse Town’s fundraising appeal.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 26:   Gary Neville of Manchester United '99 Legends acknowledges the fans at the end of the 20 Years Treble Reunion match between Manchester United '99 Legends and FC Bayern Legends at Old Trafford on May 26, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 26:   Gary Neville of Manchester United '99 Legends acknowledges the fans at the end of the 20 Years Treble Reunion match between Manchester United '99 Legends and FC Bayern Legends at Old Trafford on May 26, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Gary Neville of Manchester United '99 Legends acknowledges the fans at the end of the 20 Years Treble Reunion match between Manchester United '99 Legends and FC Bayern Legends at Old Trafford on May 26, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Brighouse are aiming to raise £10,000 to help them survive due to their income being severely affected because of the coronavirus outbreak.

And their bid has been boosted by Neville, the Sky Sports pundit who co-owns League Two Salford City with his “Class of 92” team-mates David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and brother Phil.

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Neville wanted to help the club as it was the last game he watched Salford play with his dad.

Gary Neville poses with young fans at Brighouse Town FC, during the visit from Salford City FCGary Neville poses with young fans at Brighouse Town FC, during the visit from Salford City FC
Gary Neville poses with young fans at Brighouse Town FC, during the visit from Salford City FC

He said: “Brighouse Town holds a special place in my heart even though the result did not go in our favour with Salford suffering a 3-1 defeat on the day.”

Neville’s donation will help to go towards the loss of income through the season being ended early by the Bet Victor Northern Premier League back in March.

Chairman James Howard said: “We all at Brighouse Town FC are incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the donation made by Gary Neville and others as this type of generosity clearly demonstrates that the Football community is not just a business but a family and more importantly an integral part of our community right here in Brighouse.

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“We have been contacted by other famous names and sports stars who want to share our story as this clearly has touched all from the professional game right down to grass roots.”

Big names at Brighouse Town., Pictured from the left are: Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Charlie Tolley, Chris Lister, Tony Lyons, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville.Big names at Brighouse Town., Pictured from the left are: Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Charlie Tolley, Chris Lister, Tony Lyons, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville.
Big names at Brighouse Town., Pictured from the left are: Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Charlie Tolley, Chris Lister, Tony Lyons, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville.

Manager Vill Powell said: “It’s an unexpected but brilliant gesture and I can’t thank him enough. Everyone is aware of the impact this has had globally, and football is no different.

“For all football clubs it’s difficult times but for small clubs like Brighouse Town the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating as the income we receive fails to exist, so Gary’s generosity and that of others in football and the local community is essential.

“So, a massive thank you to Gary Neville and all those who have donated to our just giving page. We urge all fans of Football to support your local non-league team in whatever way you can and stay safe, stay at home.”

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To donate to Brighouse’s fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brighousetownafc.

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