Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Bradford Park Avenue & Newcastle United Honour Donald Bell

Donald Simpson Bell is described as 'Football's Greatest War Hero' after becoming the first professional player to enlist in the British Army and subsequently being awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, 100 years ago today at the Somme.

Killed five days later, Bell was buried where he fell but his memory lives on with the Professional Footballer's Association buying his medal for over £200,000 in 2010 and handing it to the National Football Museum for display.

Henry Winter's 2014 article for The Telegraph tells more of the story, and of a visit to Bell's grave by a number of notable footballing figures.

And more than 30 members of Donald Bell's family will be in attendance on Sunday 10 July as two of his former clubs,
Bradford Park Avenue and Newcastle United meet in a pre-season friendly fixture.

Park Avenue will also depict Bell on their matchday programme throughout the forthcoming season while their new kit, which will be worn for the first time against Newcastle, also carries a tribute.


Admission prices have been reduced to a superb £5 for Adults and £2 for Under-18's for the 3pm kick-off.

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