STOKE City hero Mark Stein is returning to the club to

compete in the charity football match between a Gordon Banks XI

and Pele XI at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, July 12.

Stein, who is now physio at League Two side Barnet, is sure

to prove a crowd-puller after his glittering goalscoring spell

with City.

The striker scored 64 goals in 130 games for the Potters,

including helping them to promotion from League One in

1993.

Stein, who is now 42, was snapped up for a bargain £100,000

from Oxford United by Lou Macari in November 1991 and was sold

two years later to Chelsea for £1.5m.

He returned on loan in 1996, scoring four goals in 11 games

in Stoke's last season at the Victoria Ground.

The game is part of the celebrations accompanying the

unveiling of a bronze statue of England World Cup winner Banks

by legendary Brazil star Pele and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The event will raise money for six charities to help people

in Britain and Africa.

Stein said: “I can't wait. It is going to be fantastic.

“I am really looking forward to playing in front of all the

Stoke City supporters again because, as everyone knows, I had

such an amazing time there in the 90s.

“The club remains special to me and it is an honour to be

playing in a game which is featuring two of the best

footballers ever to grace the planet.

“Gordon had a fantastic career and I am delighted that a

statue is being made to commemorate the great man.

“The half-time team talk will be unusual because goalkeepers

don't normally tend to be in that position, but it will be a

team talk I don't think I will ever forget.”

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Tony Pulis has been unveiled as

Banks's assistant manager for the charity game.

Pulis said he was honoured to assist in a game which will

also see Stoke's entire first-team squad in attendance to add

their support to the event.

Pulis said: “I feel very honoured to have been asked to act

as assistant manager to Gordon Banks.

“This is truly a historic occasion and one that is unlikely

to be repeated.”

A host of former players are signed up to play, including

former England internationals John Barnes, Peter Bonetti, Matt

Le Tissier, Luther Blissett and Mike Pejic.

Former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie,

ex-Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby and former Stoke player and

manager Chris Kamara are also set to be involved.

Tickets for Banks of England – a Celebration of Sport for

Peace – cost £12 for adults and £6 for under-16s.

Family tickets for two adults and two children are priced at

£30 each.

They can be booked by telephoning 0871 663 2007.