A HOST of top footballing names will be running out at the Conigre on May 9 to help celebrate the career of one of Wiltshire's most talented sportsmen.

Steve Perrin has dedicated most of his life to sport in the county and next month's match at Melksham Town will give fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for his efforts.

European Cup winning goalkeeper Nigel Spink, Jamaican World Cup international Fitzroy Simpson and England international Russell Osman are expected to appear in an all-star team take on a Melksham Town and a Forest Green Rovers XI.

The match is being organised as part of his testimonial year in recognition of his years of service as goalkeeper at Conference club Forest Green Rovers.

The icing on the cake could be the appearance of ex-Newcastle and England star Chris Waddle.

Said Perrin: "It will be nice to come back to Melksham and play because I have some good friends here. We have also contacted Chris Waddle but we don't know yet whether he is able to come or not."

The 33-year-old started his football career playing up front for Melksham Park and Melksham Town youth before impressing as a goalkeeper for Broughton Gifford.

He broke into Western League football when Ian Harris took him to Westbury United and then enjoyed spells at Chippenham Town and Trowbridge Town.

Perrin joined Melksham Town in 1996/97, with brother Darren as manager and dad Mick as chairman, and helped them to the First Division title.

He said: "That was obviously a special time for me because it was a big family affair. We also won the Wiltshire Professional Shield and the following year came third in the Premier Division."

His impressive performances earned him a move to Forest Green Rovers in 1998/99 for about £1,000 where he is now the first choice goalkeeper.

During his time at Forest Green he has played at Wembley and Villa Park in two FA Trophy finals and has had a trial for the England non-league team.

Perrin has combined football with his other great passion in life, cricket, a sport in which he has also achieved great success.

He was captain of Wiltshire for five years and is only two championship matches away from making 100 appearances.

Perrin, who plays club cricket for Corsham, points to the 190 runs he scored against Herefordshire as another memorable moment but admits playing both sports may have hindered his progress in football.

He said: "When I was playing Western League football I made seven or eight reserve appearances for Exeter City and they invited me back, but I then broke my leg.

"That was my chance gone but I have enjoyed everything I have done and when I was playing lower league football it allowed me to play cricket, which was my real love.

"If I had become a professional I would have missed out on a lot. I don't regret anything I have done."

Father and chairman of Melksham, Mick Perrin, is encouraging the people to turn out to support his son.

He said: "Steve has been loyal to every club he has played for. He has also played football 30 times for Wiltshire.

Other events lined up for Perrin's testimonial year include a golf day and a sportsman's dinner. The match on May 9 kicks off at 2pm.