Vintage Clarets to turn out for Scotch Tommy

Thomas, originally from Glasgow and known as “Scotch Tommy”, lost his battle with cancer aged just 49 in July last year and the match in his memory will take place a year on, at Padiham Football Club at 2pm.

The “Turn out for Tommy” match has been organised by his daughters Lorretta Tatham and Rebecca Robertson, along with wife Linda, and the game will see a Vintage Clarets side take on a team of Thomas’s old teammates.

Lorretta said: “We have already sold well in excess of 100 tickets so far and lot have said they will pay on the day.

“The Vintage Clarets side includes Graham Lancashire, John Deary, David Eyres and others so we’re hoping it’ll be a good draw for people.

“We are really chuffed about who is going to play. We’re not doing one 90 minute game, there will be three mini games of 30 minutes each.

“The response for raffle donations has been absolutely amazing and we’ve got some brilliant prizes.

“We’re also doing a silent auction on the day with football memorabilia.

“We have a Burnley signed football, a pair of Tom Heaton signed gloves, a Michael Duff signed shirt, a Manchester United signed shirt and an Arsenal signed photo.

“We already have £1,100 raised before starting with this so we just want to add to that as much as we can.”

Thomas turned out for Barrowford United, Brierfield Celtic, Hour Glass Celtic and others in a 30-year amateur career, and was a lifelong Rangers fan as well as enjoying watching Burnley.

He lived in Nelson with his family and worked as a labourer at a carpet sampling company in the town. After a brain tumour seven years ago went into remission after treatment, it returned in late 2012 and after an operation and brave battle, he died last July.

Tickets for the event are £2.50 in advance and £3 on the day. They are available from Lorretta and Rebecca via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/turnoutfortommyrobertson or Twitter account @turnoutfortommy