Former Bristol City stars Brian Tinnion and 'Jacki' Dziekanowski will make an emotional return to Ashton Gate later this summer.
The pair will roll back the years when appearing in a testimonial match in support of Robins legend Gerry Gow on Saturday, July 28.
Tinnion will be setting foot in the club for the first time since resigning as manager in September 2005, following a 7-1 defeat at Swansea.
City's midfield maestro, who now lives and works in Spain, will feature in a Bristol City XI against a Manchester City side comprising former Maine Road favourites and famous guest players. Dziekanowski will travel from his native Poland to line up alongside Tinnion and a host of former City stars in support of Gow, the midfielder who served the Robins and Manchester City with such distinction during the 1970s and '80s.
The tough-tackling Glaswegian made 445 appearances for City between 1969 and 1981 before being transferred to Manchester City in an attempt to balance the books. Consequently, despite his lengthy service, he was never awarded a testimonial – until now.
"It is a real honour that the fans have decided to put on a testimonial year for me," said Gow, who now lives in Dorset. "I am blown away by the enthusiasm. Bristol City means more to me than anyone can imagine. The lads back then were very special and it will be absolutely great to kick-off in a game at Ashton Gate for one last time."
Chris Bradfield, chair of the testimonial committee, said: "The word legend may be too cheaply used sometimes when offered in praise of certain footballers, but when we remember the players who have pulled on the red and white of Bristol City, only a handful can come as close as Gerry in terms of passion, heart and a connection with the fans.
"I hope he gets the turnout he deserves – he must have thought his chance for a testimonial was long gone. It will be a great day."
A lifelong City fan, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "Gerry Gow was my favourite player, playing for my favourite football team and, let's not beat about the bush, in the best era that any one of us alive today can remember."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson joined in the praise for Gow. He said: "I remember Gerry when I was manager of St Mirren and we played in the Anglo Scottish Cup final against Bristol City.
"Unfortunately, we lost that game, but Gerry was always a tenacious tackler, a determined little lad. He did not have a physique that would frighten you, but he was a terrier, a real terrier."
Ticket information will be announced in due course.
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