Roy Keane returns to the club where his professional career started when he takes his Sunderland charges to Turners Cross to face Cobh Ramblers on Monday, July 28.

The Sunderland manager spent one season at the Cork club before being snapped up by then Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough, in what was to become one of the most decorated and controversial careers in the modern age.

Monday's friendly is expected to draw large crowds, due to Keane's presence and Sunderland's strong Irish association, with a number of Cork natives now plying their trade for the Northern club, including ex-City striker Roy O'Donovan and Liam Miller.

A packed-programme has been planned by both sides with a host of activities taking place throughout the day, as both Cobh and Sunderland look to further strengthen ties between the cities.

A souvenir Matchday Program has been delivered to the club and will go on sale for €5. Nearly €20,000 worth of advertising revenue has been raised from this alone, providing a much welcomed cash-injection into the East Cork club.

Ramblers and Sunderland fans will also participate in a match to be held at St Colmans Park on Sunday, July 27 at 5 pm. This match has been sponsored by Beamish & Crawford and there will be presentations, food and a DJ in the club afterwards. There will be a donation taken at the gate and all proceeds will go to Cobh Hospital.

A Fundraising Luncheon, with tickets priced at €150 per head or €1,500 for a table of 10, has also been organised. The package includes, among other things, a complimentary pre lunch bar courtesy of Beamish & Crawford, four course lunch including wine, match Ticket and guest speakers including Niall Quinn and John Delaney.

Mike Bardsley, from Cobh Ramblers, says, "A decent crowd is expected and the amount of phone calls and emails from people wanting to take part in the fans game has been unbelievable. We have had to put out a statement to say we have our squad finalised.

"We hope we might be able to make this supporters' game a yearly event, with the away leg next year. It seems like everyone here wants a piece of Sunderland. This day out is all about bringing both clubs' supporters together for a day of sport, entertainment and Cobh hospitality. It is our way of sending out a big ‘welcome' to the Sunderland fans."

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