Stoke City: Potters hero Mark Stein signs up for Gordon Banks charity game
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.
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