Strong Side For Aldershot

Last updated : 01 August 2007 By Stray Shots Team

The full article states that Charlton are scheduled to play two friendlies on the same night in midweek, with Ebbsfleet United (formerly Gravesend & Northfleet FC) also due to host a CAFC XI (both 7.45pm kick-offs).

But the Addicks boss revealed on Tuesday that he will be overseeing the match against Aldershot, a testimonial for former Shots player and Charlton scout Paul Shrubb, while reserve boss Mark Kinsella takes a more youthful line-up to DA11.

"We do have a few knocks and injuries at the moment, which has depleted the number of players to choose from," admitted Alan.

"In an ideal world I'd love to field strong sides in both matches, but the game at Aldershot is also a testimonial for Paul and I therefore feel obliged to send the stronger team there."

He added: "In all honesty the side going to play Ebbsfleet will be a youth team, but I would say that it will give those Charlton fans who do go along to Stonebridge Road the opportunity to see the strength and depth of our up and coming players."

Fifty-one-year-old Shrubb, who represented both Aldershot and Aldershot Town, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in January 2006.

He said: "It means so much to me to be awarded this game. I know that I am getting the game mainly because of my illness but I am so grateful to the board of directors at Aldershot for awarding me the game and for Charlton, for whom I have been scouting for six years, in providing the opposition."

Speaking about his illness, Shrubb added: "When I was actually told about the illness in January 2006 I couldn't believe it to be honest. For the first three months after I was told I thought that was it.

"Since then I have accepted the illness and just get on with life and hope for the best really. Motor Neurone Disease is a muscle wasting disease. I have been told that a number of footballers over the age of 50 have got the disease but only two people in 100,000 are diagnosed with MND so I just happen to be one of the unlucky ones who have got it."

Tickets for the testimonial match at Aldershot are £12 adults and £6 overs 60s and U16s for seats in the South Stand, or £10 adults, £5 over 60s and U16s on the East Terraces. Charlton fans should enter via the High Street, turnstile numbers one and two.

Source: http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=31048&newstype=x