A fundraiser night is to be held in Newsome to help soccer legend Jimmy Greaves.

And one of those involved, former Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones, admits: “It’s a crying shame”.

Bruce, who played the layabout Les Battersby in the hit soap for 10 years, will be at The Newsome Tap on Saturday evening to help raise cash for Greaves’ health care.

The ex-Spurs, Chelsea, West Ham and AC Milan star needs the cash to pay for 500 hours of intensive physiotherapy after suffering a stroke.

But while British clubs splashed out during the transfer window, none was willing to help Jimmy.

Jimmy Greaves needs physiotherapy after suffering a stroke
Jimmy Greaves needs physiotherapy after suffering a stroke

His agent Terry Baker has launched a JustGiving page to try to raise the money.

Fans of the striker have already pledged £10,775.

On Facebook, Terry said he could not understand why football’s multi-millionaires had not stepped in to help the 75-year-old former TV football pundit.

The appeal moved Jones, who is a friend of Newsome Tap owner Stuart Smith, and they decided to help.

Jones, 62, said: “I’m a big football fan, a supporter of Manchester City, but I remember Greaves as one of the game’s legends.

“I remember watching him play for England and he was a great player.

Newsome Tap owner Stewart Smith (left) with Bruce Jones.
Newsome Tap owner Stewart Smith (left) with Bruce Jones.

“It’s a really sad story and it’s appalling it has come to this for him. It’s a crying shame that he has to appeal for help to pay for his health care.

“I hope we can get a full house at the pub on Saturday to help him out”.

Bruce will be joined at the Newsome Tap from 8pm onwards by former X Factor contestant Scott Hallas.

Former X Factor star Scott Hallas
Former X Factor star Scott Hallas

Scott reached the final 32 in 2008 before going on to launch a successful drag act career as Dragalicious.

Pub owner Mr Smith said: “When I read about Greaves’ situation I knew we had to do something. It should be a good night”.