SCOTTISH legend Kenny Dalglish scored the goal that clinched the European Cup for Liverpool in 1978 and went on to manage the Reds to a League and FA Cup double.

The majestic talent of Paul Gascoigne took England to the brink of the World Cup final, only to be denied in an extraordinary, emotional clash with West Germany.

Bryan Robson earned the nickname Captain Marvel for his never-say-die performances at the heart of a resurgent Manchester United in the early 1990s and during a distinguished England career.

Each has represented club and country at the highest levels, achieving the kind of success and adoration most players can only dream of.

Yet tomorrow, each don the colours of Darlington to support the struggle to rescue the club, currently standing on the 91st rung of the 92-club Football League ladder.

That several figures from football's hall of fame are heading for the Reynolds Arena to aid the desperate fight to save cash-strapped Darlington is testament to the determination of David Hodgson.

After learning that his side would have a free day on FA Cup fourth round weekend, the Quakers boss got on the phone to every friend and associate he had in the game.

And the result is a day which is destined to become a key date in the town's history.

Not only that, it should also make cracking entertainment. Gazza has promised to put on a show and, even at 36, his magical ability is worth the admission money alone.

The celebrity team should at some point also feature a father-and-son strikeforce to relish, with Kenny and Paul Dalglish tasked with breaching the Quakers' defence.

North-East heroes Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle, both former England internationals, will also be aiming to display some of the skills that made them household names.

It will also be an emotional day for fans' favourites of the not-too-distant past. Sean Gregan, Robbie Blake, Matt Appleby, Paul Heckingbottom and others all played beneath Wembley's grand Twin Towers in happier days gone by.

They have all answered the call to help rescue the club which gave them so many happy memories.

* The current Darlington team faces a celebrity side at 1pm and members of the two Wembley squads will take on an all-star squad at 2.30pm.

Tickets can be bought from the Reynolds Arena today, from 9am to 3pm, costing £8 for adults and £4 concessions. They will also be available on the day.