THREE lucky football fans will get the chance to get the better of expert penalty takers such as Phil Neal and Bryan Robson next week.

Guests at Thursday's Audience with the Soccer Legends event at the Reebok Stadium will be given the chance to bid for the right to join the dozen footballing greats on stage for a mock penalty shoot-out.

A special computer that measures the accuracy and velocity of spot-kicks will be set up at the venue, where diners will hear tales of the beautiful game through the last century.

"It will be a great opportunity to go back and tell your mates me and Robbo beat Peter Reid at penalties'," said Mark Bushell, of organisers World Football Exhibitions.

Staged in association with The Bolton News, the event will feature Reid, Robson and Neal as guest speakers.

They will be joined by Sir Tom Finney, Bert Trautmann, Jack Charlton, Mike Summerbee, Frank Worthington, Viv Anderson, Roy Hartle and Alan Ball.

Paddy Crerand has also been added to the line-up to replace fellow Manchester United legend Denis Law, who is unable to attend.

Mr Bushell, founding curator of Preston's National Football Museum, is delighted with ticket sales and plans to bring the event to the Reebok on an annual basis.

But he said there was still a chance to get a unique insight into football in days-gone-by.

"Nowadays almost every kick is recorded for posterity and players are asked millions of questions with their answers being published on the internet and all sorts of media services," he said.

"Our legends had very little of that, particularly Bert Trautmann and Sir Tom Finney, and many of their experiences haven't been talked about, so this is a tremendous opportunity."

In retirement, the players are also able to talk more freely about their playing days.

"They meet their old pals and there's a very friendly atmosphere but they have some incredible tales to tell," said Mr Bushell.

BBC presenter Ray Stubbs will aim to get the best stories from the players and a transcript of the event will be sent to clubs' historians and museums.

The proceeds of the event, which will feature an auction of memorabilia, will go to the former players associations of clubs including Bolton Wanderers, to help ex-pros and their families who have fallen on hard times.

l Tickets for the event are priced £150 each, with tables of 10 available for £1,350, or £1,800 for a premium table.

However, World Football Exhibitions is offering a discount price of £110 each for readers of The Bolton News.

To order, call 01772 681845.