SOUTH Dorset Spurs’ members were treated to a memorable occasion as Tottenham Hotspur heroes Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricky Villa headlined the organisation’s latest ‘legends’ night at Portland Masonic Hall.

The midfielders, both members of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning squad, had a treat in store themselves as Keith Birkinshaw, manager during their spell with Tottenham Hotspur, was also present at the event.

On the night, two £500 cheques were presented to local charities. One went to South Dorset Spurs’ long-time chosen charity Mosaic, and another to Butterflies. The organisations offer support to those affected by child bereavement and children’s disability respectively.

Ardiles and Villa were also put through their paces by football legends night host Richard Cracknell, who invited the duo to talk through their most memorable Spurs moments.

It was the duo’s first appearance in the region since a crowd of 4,850 saw Tottenham win 6-1 in a friendly against Weymouth at the old Rec ground as part of the deal that took Graham Roberts to Spurs.

Speaking to Echosport, Villa expressed his delight at supporting both charities and being able to give something back to Tottenham supporters.

He said: “It’s super special. I think for everyone the best thing to do is charity. I feel great when I try to help people in that way.

“It’s a great experience. It’s many years ago and the people still remember Ossie and me. The players and managers come and go but the supporters never change. For me it’s a great honour.”

Ardiles added: “It’s great to see the supporters. They’re always happy to see us and they deserve it because they are the most important people in the club.”

Event organiser David Ralph, who has also set up evenings with the likes of Steve Perryman, Micky Hazard and Ray Clements, believed the night had been “fantastic”.

He said: “It’s absolutely awesome. To everyone who’s been and supported the two charities, it’s been fantastic.

“We raise funds every time we organise a legends night for Mosaic, which is South Dorset Spurs’ main charity. We’ve done other charities as well.”

He added: “Portland Masonic Hall is a fantastic facility, absolutely beautiful. The staff have been excellent, the food and everything about it is good. We will come back again.

“We’re looking to get big names in – Ledley King, Gary Mabbutt, Martin Chivers, Graham Roberts and Steve Perryman’s phoned me and says he wants to come back again.

“(Ossie and Ricky) have been more than hospitable and they’ve thoroughly enjoyed themselves, I hope!”

South Dorset Spurs’ next legends evening is set to be with Paul Stewart in July, with the chosen charities of Save and Mosaic.

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