Darren Moore agrees to manage All-Stars team in charity match day after West Brom's trip to Newcastle
Caretaker boss Darren Moore has agreed to manage the Albion All-Stars team in this coming Sunday’s match in memory of former mascot Richard Eades.
Moore, who will take charge of the Baggies first team at Newcastle on Saturday, will swap the Premier League for Halesowen Town the next day.
He will take charge of a team including Baggies greats like Peter Odemwingie, Richard Sneekes, Andy Johnson, Kevin Donovan, Russell Hoult, Lee Hughes, Sean Gregan, and Geoff Horsfield.
And he will be up against Chris Brunt, who has agreed to manage fans' team Boing FC on the day.
Eades dressed up as ‘Albi’, one of the Baggie Bird mascots, on match days at The Hawthorns for 10 years and was also a player and manager of Boing FC.
He died suddenly of a suspected heart attack on Boxing Day aged just 42, leaving behind fiancé Carly and two young children Lily-Mae, eight, and Archie, three.
“We were devastated at Eadesy’s passing and the club has been united in its support of Carly, Lily and Archie,” said Moore.
“I was asked if I would lead one of the teams in Eadesy’s memory and it will be my honour to do so on Sunday.
“I invite the Albion family to get themselves to Halesowen Town on Sunday to show their respect to a man who was dedicated to this club.”
Brunt added: “Mooro hasn’t changed one bit while he’s been in charge of the first team and it’s testament to him that he’s taken up the challenge to manage the Albion legends side on Sunday.
“We were all heartbroken to learn of Rich’s passing and supporting a game in his name is the very least we can do to help his family after what has been a very difficult period for them.”
Eades spent almost 30 years at the club, starting out as a member of the groundstaff as a 14-year-old.
Long-term friend and fellow Baggies mascot Dave Challenor has organised the even at The Grove this Sunday to raise funds for his family.
As well as a nine-a-side tournament, there will be a mascots match before the main event kicks off at 4.30pm.
The day starts at 11am and tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for kids, and £2 for under-3s with all proceeds going to the Eades family.
