ARSENAL goalkeeping legend Bob Wilson arrived in Devizes last week to help raise money and the profile of Bromham Football Club.

Invited by friend and Bromham manager John Boatman, Wilson talked about how the game now compared to that of the 1970s at Devizes' Corn Exchange.

The former TV presenter brought out props to show the difference in the games.

Boatman said: "He was excellent. We had just under 100 people there and he entertained everyone from Alfie Wiltshire, at 83 our oldest fan, and the youngsters in the youth teams.

"He spoke for 30 to 35 minutes before answering questions and saved time to congratulate Liverpool and have a dig at the Manchester United fans over the cup final, tongue-in-cheek.

"The theme was football past and present and he brought out a 1970s football and a new football to show the difference before explaining that goalkeepers have more problem now with how they swerve in the air.

"He then brought out his 1971 cup final football boots and compared them to Thierry Henry's which he had brought with him and then compared his gloves to David Seaman's.

"He also talked about different anecdotes and he was very entertaining and interesting."

Boatman, who has known Wilson since he was four, said it became more difficult to get hold of him since he retired from television presenting.

He revealed that he had to pin him down to a date 18 months ago.

The evening was to raise money for new changing facilities and a toilet with disabled access at Jubilee Field.

Boatman said more importantly it raised the profile of the club and was a great way to celebrate a successful return to the Wiltshire Premier Division after finishing eighth.

The club also donated £250 to the Willow Foundation, a charity set up by Wilson after the death of his daughter Anna from a rare cancer, malignant schwannoma.

The charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of seriously ill adults aged 16 to 40 by organising and funding a 'special day' of their choice.

"The whole evening went really well. He was on TV earlier talking about Dudek's antics and people were talking to him about seeing him on TV."

Bromham's pre-season training will start early in preparation for the next Wiltshire League season.

The first pre-season training session starts at 11am on Sunday June 12 at Jubliee Field, Bromham.

Training sessions will then continue every Wednesday night from 7pm with pre-season friendlies in July.

Bromham will also host a men's six-a-side on July 3 and youth six-a-side on July 8-10.

For further details visit www.bromhamfc.co.uk or contact first team manager John Boatman for details on 07976 808794.

For more information on the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation.org