THE response said it all when Kevin Davies put out the message asking Wanderers’ league of legends if they could help out for Gethin Jones’s fundraiser this weekend (kick-off 1pm, Sunday).

The former Bolton captain was only too pleased to step forward for a chance to play at the stadium he graced for a decade – and the Wanderers Avengers were not far behind him.

While the great John McGinlay sounded the call for his generation of Burnden Park favourites to lace up the boots once again for a good cause, Davies tracked down some of the international stars who pulled on the famous white shirt in the most recent Premier League era.

Big Sam Allardyce himself will be back in the dugout to manage a squad of 20-plus well-known names, who will take on the current Wanderers side.

“We have a group WhatsApp chat group with a few of the boys and about four or five weeks ago I put out a message to see who would be available,” Davies told The Bolton News.

“It says a lot about how much the lads enjoyed their time at Bolton that most of them were willing to drop everything, fly in from elsewhere, instantly start training.

“John (McGinlay) said straight away that he would bring in some of the players he’d played with at Bolton. Some of the absolute legends.

“The main thing is that fans come to the game, enjoy themselves, and raise some money for a really good cause.”

The game has been organised to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease after the mother of full-back Gethin Jones was diagnosed with the illness earlier this year. Along with treatment, funds raised in the game and a special black tie dinner on Saturday night will also go to the Darby Rimmer Foundation, which was launched by ex-Bolton defender Stephen Darby, himself diagnosed with MND in 2018.

The line-up is subject to change, with travel restrictions and work commitments still to be finalised – but here is a shortlist of the players who are currently down to lend their support.

BIG SAM Allardyce - Already a hero from his playing days at Bolton, Big Sam took Bolton on a journey they will never forget – from the play-off win against Preston, to Wembley appearances, and two European qualifications. What a pleasure it is to have him back.

PADDY McGuinness - Comedian and TV presenter who might well have fancied a few minutes out on the pitch had it not been for an injured knee. Will have to suffice as Big Sam's number two for the day.

JUSSI Jaaskelainen – Perhaps the best goalkeeper ever to pull on a Bolton Wanderers shirt? The model of professionalism and consistency, who made an incredible 527 appearances.

IVAN Campo – Dig out your Campo wigs, the flamboyant Spaniard looks set to return to his spiritual home. Altogether now: “I-van Cam-po, I-van Cam-po!”

GUDNI Bergsson – Mr Bolton Wanderers and a bedrock of successful teams under Bruce Rioch, Colin Todd and Sam Allardyce.

KEITH Branagan – Without his penalty save in the play-off final against Reading, there would have been no comeback in the play-off final against Reading. One of Wanderers’ most fondly remembered keepers.

NICKY Hunt – As the song goes: ‘We all dream of a team of Nicky Hunts’ – and the boy from Daisy Hill fulfilled his own dream by turning out alongside the galaxy of international stars in Big Sam’s dressing room.

SAM Ricketts – Ex-Wales international defender whose versatility across the back line bailed out more than one Bolton boss. Has a rocket of a shot on either foot, too.

RICARDO Gardner – ‘Bibi’ evolved from an unknown teenager to help Bolton into the Premier League, scoring in the play-off final against Preston, and racking up more than 400 appearances for the club.

STELIOS Giannakopoulos – Much-loved midfielder and Euro 2004 winner with Greece, Stelios was one of Big Sam’s most successful imports in the Premier League days.

CHRIS Eagles – Always capable of the spectacular, ex-Burnley and Manchester United man Eagles produced plenty of goals in his time at Wanderers.

KEVIN Davies – Super Kev, the scourge of top flight defenders and managers alike. A modern-day legend back for the first time since his emotional departure in 2013.

HENRIK Pedersen – With his famous Peacock celebration, the Dane was a hugely popular part of the Premier League side of the mid-noughties, scoring some important goals.

DAVID Lee – Probably the fittest player on the park at 54 years of age – classic winger Lee was a Burnden Park favourite, whose finest hour came in the FA Cup triumph at Anfield.

ALAN Thompson – Scored the first goal at the Reebok Stadium, and became one of the club’s most profitable exports after stellar displays under Bruce Rioch and Colin Todd.

JOHN McGinlay – One of Wanderers’ most celebrated goal-scorers, and a favourite for the generations. An all-time great.

IVAN Klasnic – Lethal penalty box poacher who overcame serious illness to score goals in the Bundesliga and Premier League.

GAVIN McCann – Scored the goal that made Bolton the first team to beat Red Star Belgrade on their own patch – and bagged another one against Sunderland which was crucial in the club’s survival fight.

MIKE Whitlow – One of the mainstays of Sam Allardyce’s defence as Wanderers looked to secure their place in the top flight. Mr Consistency himself.

ALAN Stubbs – Classy defender/midfielder who came through the school of excellence at Burnden and went on to have a stellar career in the top flight in England and Scotland.

RICHARD Sneekes – The Dutchman with a cannon-like shot, who played for two seasons at Wanderers and helped the club into the Premier League under Bruce Rioch.

FABRICE Muamba – An England Under-21 international, Muamba was signed in a big-money move from Birmingham, forging a solid midfield partnership with Stu Holden. His playing career was cut short on a fateful night at White Hart Lane.

ROBBIE Blake – After firing Burnley into the Premier League, Blake joined Owen Coyle at Bolton and became one of the dressing room’s most popular characters.

JASON McAteer – Signed from non-league Marine, Liverpudlian McAteer would blossom into an international class midfielder and play at the World Cup finals.

MARK Davies – The silky midfielder who – had it not been for a string of injuries – looked destined for England caps when he arrived at Bolton from Wolves.

JAY JAY Okocha – So good, they named him twice. Lit up the Premier League with his skills and regarded as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players.

Tickets for the game, costing £10 for adults and £5 for concessions can be bought by CLICKING HERE.