April 5 2006

Crystal Palace

Geoff Thomas feels there will be no thoughts of revenge on the Eagles' players minds when they take on Manchester United in a re-run of the 1990 FA Cup final for the Palace legend's testimonial tomorrow night (Thursday), by Stuart Pink.

After months of organising, Thomas will lead the Palace side out against their Manchester United counterparts in aid of Care Leukaemia and Leukaemia Research two charities close to Thomas' heart after he recently won his battle to overcome the illness.

Manchester United famously won the cup after the final went to a replay in 1990, but Thomas believes the Palace players who played that day will just be looking forward to playing together again.

"I think it's just a case of them getting together again and seeing their old mates," said Thomas. "We had a fantastic time together.

"But saying that, they are all professional so they'll want to go out and win the game."

The majority of the players who featured in the final will be turning out led by the same managers, Steve Coppell and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Specially invited guests have been drafted in to play a part, including Iain Dowie, Dwight Yorke and Simon Jordan, who is expected to get a run out in the second half.

Thomas is looking forward to seeing which of the old pros have kept in the best shape.

"It's been a little bit difficult for a few of the players that have not kicked a ball for a long time," said the ex-Palace skipper.

"But I'm looking forward to seeing whose looked after themselves. I want them to go out there, enjoy themselves and entertain the crowd. That's what it's all about."

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