We had a great day on Sunday 29th June 2003 when we gathered at the MANWEB sports ground on Thingwall Avenue, Wavertree to pay tribute to Frank Bradley who died from cancer in November last year and to raise money for the Marie Curie centre in Woolton where Frank spent his last weeks.

Bluenose promotions had organised a charity football match, stars of the past made up the Bluenose team including John Bailey, Mick Buckley, Roger Kenyon, Ian Snodin and Mark Ward, Brian Labone was manager with Gordon West & Gary Jones coaching the team. Other Toffeemen completed the Bluenose team including Sower of the Seed - Keith Wilson and Sugar Puffs - Roy Caine (The Fat Cat) in goal.

The MANWEB ground proved an ideal location for a great family day out where there was side shows and a bouncy castle as well as the main event, a crowd of around 300 were in attendance.

The match was great entertainment for the spectators with goals galore, six being scored before half time, three a piece. All the Bluenose goals were laid firmly at the doorstep of the keeper, Roy Caine. Roy took the many comments on his very broad shoulders, things like “Joan Collins goes down quicker”, “he’s only in nets to fill the goal” were followed by comments like “fat cat more like fat….” little did they know later they were to eat their words.

So all square at half time with Wavertree OB having the better of the first half, however, skill and stamina was about to win the day. Steve McKeown completed his hat-trick before being strechered off having won a penalty, he dislocated his shoulder (if Everton haven’t looked at this lad yet they need to), from the resultant penalty Brian Snagg scored a beauty, putting the ball in the top right hand corner. Bluenose ran out worthy winners and Mick Buckley was man of the match, Mick looked no different than he did in the 70’s. Ian Snodin and Roger Kenyon were in total control at the back whilst Mark Ward and Mick Buckley marshalled the middle, Bails flitted in and out of the left back position between breathes but still showed he had the class.

Afterwards there was a buffet, disco, band and karaoke in the club house, to end a great day. The highlight was when the Marie Curie Fundraising Manager, Christine O’Sullivan took to the stage to explain what this day meant for the Marie Curie appeal, to thank all those involved and talk fondly of the late Frank Bradley. As Christine, who was decked in the new Everton shirt, left the stage she roared into the microphone, “Come on you Blues!” The perfect end to an excellent day.

The Bradley family would like to thank everybody who supported them on this memorable day.