Action replay for classic Liverpool v Newcastle match

Feb 16 2009 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

Stan Collymore's famous winner against Newcastle in 1996 320

ONE of the greatest football matches ever played in the Premiership is to be recreated.

Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win against Newcastle United at Anfield in April 1996, has gone down in sporting history.

Now, the stars who served up those thrills and spills are coming together for an intriguing re-match.

Already, former players including Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman, John Barnes, Ian Rush, Jason McAteer, Rob Jones, Dominic Matteo and Mark Wright have agreed to pull on the red shirt again.

Former Anfield legend Phil Thompson is contacting the Liverpool players involved in the charity game.

Money raised will be split between the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal based in Liverpool and the Children’s hospital in Newcastle.

Phil is trying to persuade the Reds former foreign contingent of Patrik Berger, Stig Bjornebye and Bjorn Tore Kvarme to play.

The colourful Bruce Grobelaar, a European Cup winner, will keep goal with David James expected to be on England duty at the time.

The 4-3 blockbuster won renown for two sides playing stunning attacking football in a match which the Reds edged with Stan Collymore’s late winner.

For Newcastle, players including Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Les Ferdinand, Philippe Albert and David Ginola are expected to turn out.

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Efforts are already under way to get St James’s Park fans favourite Faustino Asprilla over to the UK from Colombia.

The match could be televised live, and is almost certain to be transferred to the appropriate setting of St James’s Park.

If the game in October is a success, a return fixture could be played at Anfield.

The idea emerged when the former Reds skipper attended a football convention in South Africa and he was approached about the proposal.

Phil Thompson said: “It’s a wonderful idea. The game touched everybody and the abiding memory is Kevin Keegan slumped over the hoarding at the end.

“Fantastic football was played and it must have been devastating for Newcastle to lose 4-3.

“Magic always happens at Anfield.”

Ticket details for both the dinner and the match to be announced.

luketraynor@liverpoolecho.co.uk