IslandStats.com - Bermuda Sports Online

IslandStats.com

Former Bristol City star Shaun Goater is set to make an emotional return to Ashton Gate next month.

Now 42, the striker has agreed to return to Bristol to play in a testimonial match for Robins legend Gerry Gow on Saturday, July 28th.

Goater, will feature for both sides when a Bristol City XI take on a Manchester City Legends select in a game designed to raise funds for Gow, who made 375 appearances for the Robins between 1969 and 1981.

Like Gow, Goater represented both clubs with distinction during a career that spanned two decades, making him an obvious target for match organizers.

Bristol businessman and City fan Chris Bradfield is acting as chairman of Gow's testimonial committee and is responsible for persuading Goater to return to Ashton Gate to play for the first time since he left the club to join Manchester City in a deal worth £400,000 in 1998.

Bradfield said: "I came up with the idea about five weeks ago. Because Goater played for both Bristol City and Manchester City, he was an obvious choice.

"I contacted his book agent, Mark Georgevic, and he gave me a number for Goater in Bermuda. I called him up and he said he was happy to play.

"I've paid for his flights and will pick him up at Gatwick Airport and drive him to Bristol the day before the game.

"Shaun is really positive about it and looking forward to the game and catching up with old friends. He is a lovely guy and a really important part of Gerry Gow's testimonial celebrations."

So popular was Goater with fans of both clubs that hundreds of Manchester City and Bristol City supporters travelled to Southend United to see the Bermudan international make his final appearance in English football for the Shrimpers at the end of the 2005-06 season.

Darius 'Jacki' Dziekanowski and Brian Tinnion have agreed to play in the Bristol City legends side, while Peter Beagrie and Asa Hartford are among those who have promised to turn out for Manchester City.

It was reported yesterday that Bristol City will need to pay at least £400,000 to re-sign their former defender Richard Keogh from Coventry. City are believed to have recently made a bid of £250,000 for Keogh.

Lambe Has Confidence in Mariner

Reggie Lambe and his Toronto FC teammates, coaches and trainers arrived in Houston on Sunday night, looking ahead to Wednesday’s match against the Dynamo.   

Click Read More to watch a video of Midfielder Lambe talking about feeling comfortable in Paul Mariner's formation, will be ready for Houston on Wednesday

Monday marked the start of the second week Paul Mariner has been head coach of the Reds. Toronto players will trained in Houston on Monday and Tuesday evenings before the midweek tilt.   

On Saturday, Toronto suffered a 2-0 defeat in Kansas City on Mariner’s touchline debut. A strong start by KC saw TFC concede two first half goals. The Reds weren’t short on goal scoring chances. However, a combination of the upright and KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen's foot helped to preserve the clean sheet for the home side.   

Toronto and Houston split their season series in 2011. The Reds won at BMO Field 2-1 in May, while the Dynamo won the return match 2-0 at Robertson Stadium. On Wednesday, Toronto will set foot on the brand new BBVA Compass Stadium in downtown Houston for the first time.   