Chris Billam-Smith on leading AFC Bournemouth legends in USA
THE County Ground is set to host a special encounter as Hamworthy United Legends take on Poole Town Legends in a fundraising event for Dan Cann this Sunday.
THE County Ground is set to host a special encounter as Hamworthy United Legends take on Poole Town Legends in a fundraising event for Dan Cann this Sunday.
Early last month, at the age of 38, Dan Cann was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
In response to the diagnosis, a good friend of Dan’s and Poole Town captain Jamie Whisken set up a GoFundMe page which raised an incredible £15,000 in 24 hours and has now reached over £33,000.
On the event, Jamie Whisken said: “There’s been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get this event on and over the line but I’m not sure anything I’ve done before has felt quite so rewarding.”
Discussing the community effort, Whisken added: “Knowing how much all this will help Dan and his family over coming months is quite heart-warming.
“The local community have been and continue to be incredible, Dan’s surrounded by so many good people, and I know he’s so appreciative of them all.”
Cann featured for various non-league clubs in Dorset during his playing days, including Poole Town and Wimborne Town and has been the Hamworthy United manager since his appointment in October 2022.
The fundraiser event is set to take place with a 12pm kick off next Sunday and promises to bring together some of the biggest names on a day where rivalries are placed to one side in support of Dan.
The Dolphins Legends side will be managed by long serving Poole manager Tom Killick and Harry Redknapp who led Portsmouth to an FA Cup triumph in 2008.
In the other dugout, the Hammers have a management duo of Alex Pike who led Wimborne Town to historic FA Vase success in 1992 and former Weymouth gaffer Brendon King.
Some notable names in both sides with Charlie Austin and Taffy Richardson wearing the red and white shirt of Poole once again, as well as professional boxer Jake Best.
Hamworthy United Legends also have some remarkable names within their ranks, as record appearance holder for the Cherries, Steve Fletcher, will be one of those leading the line for the Hammers.
Chris Billam Smith, the current cruiser weight world champion will also be in attendance.
There are many other amazing names that will be involved on the day; to view the full squads of both sides, please visit either of Hamworthy United or Poole Town’s social media pages.
