SPANISH giants Real Sociedad will play in Andy Booth's testimonial match at the Galpharm next month.

The Primera Liga side - who were in the Champions League only three seasons ago - take on Town on Tuesday, July 25 (7.45), subject to confirmation from the Football Association and the stadium events panel.

It's a big diary date for all Town fans as the occasion - which kicks-off a busy year of fund-raising events for the club's popular striker - will feature some special appearances by personalities from the past.

Real - who include John Aldridge, Sander Westerveld and Xabi Alonso among their most famous players of recent years - are playing Leicester City, West Brom and Doncaster on tour but were delighted to fit in the big date for Boothy.

"It's fantastic to get such a big continental club to the Galpharm and, as it's an important part of our pre-season as well, we hope our fans will turn out in force to support Boothy," said Town manager Peter Jackson.

"He has been a fantastic servant to this club, the fans recognise the wholehearted commitment of their hometown favourite and, when such a big club as Real Sociedad are happy to be involved in his testimonial, it shows how much he is respected in the world of football."

Admission will be £10 for adults and £5 concessions and Booth's excellent testimonial brochure will be on sale at the match for the first time, priced £5.

It includes messages from the likes of Jackson, Neil Warnock, Ronnie Jepson, David Pleat, Patrick Stewart and many more. Town will field their full first team just 10 days before they kick-off the new League I campaign, for which fixtures are out tomorrow.

Potential new signings could well make their Galpharm debuts in Boothy's big match.

"I hope it's going to be a really good night for Town, Real and the fans," said Booth, who first signed at Leeds Road in 1990 and who has over 500 senior career matches to his name.

"My testimonial committee, under chairman Glenn Paxman, have put in a tremendous amount of work already and we hope this big pre-season match is an exciting way to kick off what will hopefully be a successful year."

Pubs, clubs and workplaces will have their chance to organise events for the testimonial and a website will be set up soon on which all details of future events will be posted.

A Testimonial Dinner will be held at the Galpharm on Monday, October 2 (booking details later).

An array of special guests will be joined by speakers including Frank Worthington, Paul Fletcher and Steve Kindon.

The Andy Booth Golf Day at Woodsome Hall on Wednesday, September 6, is already full.

Proud club in blue and white stripes!

REAL SOCIEDAD have a proud history in Spanish football.

The Basque giants have twice won the Primera Liga, twice hoisted the Copa del Rey and once taken the Spanish Super Cup.

In 2003-04, too, they went through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, eventually losing 2-0 over two legs to French power Lyon.

After Athletic Bilbao, they are believed to be only the second Spanish League club to play Town and it's fitting that Real's home colours are blue and white stripes.

While Javier Clemente, the one-time Spanish national coach, had a season at the club in 1999-2000, their most famous former manager from these shores is John Toshack, the current Wales coach.

He has had three spells at the famous Anoeta ground, from 1985 to 89, 91-94 and 2001-02.

John Aldridge is probably the most famous former player from the British Isles to play or them, the former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool striker being a favourite with fans.

More recently, Real have had Mikel Arteta, goalkeeper Sander Westerveld and Xabi Alonso on the books.