Unique chance to see star Poyet

Gus Poyet is due to be part of the “Brighton & Hove Albion Ex-Pros & Guests XI” to face Bexhill United in a glamour end-of-season friendly this evening (Wednesday).

Bexhill chairman Robin Powell said: “I think it will be the most fantastic occasion that this town has seen for many a long year. I would love to see 1,000 people there.”

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Poyet carved out a very successful playing career as a powerful goalscoring midfielder, playing for Real Zaragoza in Spain, and Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Poyet, 44, moved into management with Brighton in November 2009 and led the Seagulls to the League One title last season. Albion have continued their upturn in fortune this term and currently lie ninth in the Championship.

Andy Stoodley, Albion’s football and sports participation officer - East Sussex, said: “I can’t wait to see people’s faces when he walks out on the pitch, and I think he will stay and do some autographs.”

Other names in the Brighton’s squad include Brighton’s assistant manager Mauricio Taricco, an Argentinian defender who made more than 150 appearances for Tottenham - where he was George Graham’s first signing - and Ipswich Town.

Also lined-up to play are former Albion men Bob Booker, Guy Butters, Richard Carpenter, Gary Hart, Kerry Mayo, Charlie Oatway, Josh Pelling, Paul Rogers and Paul Watson, plus Alan Sanders (joint managing director of Albion in the Community) and Luke Williams (the club’s development squad coach).

The match - which will mark the official opening of Bexhill’s new floodlights at The Polegrove - will kick-off at 7.30pm (gates open at 5pm). Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children.

Beforehand there will be a penalty shoot-out for children aged 5-16. There will be pre-match and half time entertainment from the Gully’s Girls cheerleaders, plus a barbecue and refreshments.