GARY NEVILLE has “overwhelmed” Brighouse Town with a “significant” donation – as he holds the non-League club close to his heart for being the last team he watched with his late father Neville.
The Manchester United legend and Salford City co-oner pledged the unspecified amount on the part-timers’ JustGiving page after the coronavirus pandemic ended the season early for football below the sixth tier.
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Man Utd legend Gary Neville has delighted Brighouse with his ‘unexpected but brilliant’ donationCredit: PA:Press Association
The ex-England defender and his former Old Trafford team-mate Ryan Giggs have already allowed the NHS free use of their hotels and promised to pay all their staff.
Now Neville has stepped in to boost the BetVictor Northern Premier League side, explaining: “Brighouse Town holds a special place in my heart even though the result did not go in our favour with Salford City suffering a 3-1 defeat on the day.”
Brighouse manager Vill Powell said “It’s an unexpected but brilliant gesture and I can’t thank him enough.
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“Everyone is aware of the impact this has had globally, and football is no different.
“For all football clubs it’s difficult times but for small clubs like Brighouse Town the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating as the income we receive fails to exist, so Gary’s generosity and that of others in football and the local community is essential.
“So, a massive thank you to Gary Neville and all those who have donated to our JustGiving page.
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“We urge all fans of Football to support your local non-league team in whatever way you can and stay safe, stay at home”.
Town chairman James Howard added: “We all at Brighouse Town FC are incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the donation made by Gary Neville and others as this type of generosity clearly demonstrates that the Football community is not just a business but a family and more importantly an integral part of our community right here in Brighouse.
“We have been contacted by other famous names and sports stars who want to share our story as this clearly has touched all from the professional game right down to grass roots”.
Brighouse’s resources have also suffered from the clubhouse being shut as part-time clubs suffer severe financial blows from the coronavirus lockdown.
Ex-England defender Nev, whose dad Neville Neville died five years ago, has also been praised for being an EFL pecemaker in pay talks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk