FORMER Liverpool and Manchester United greats Robbie Fowler and Dwight Yorke are returning to Newcastle - but not as you have seen them before.
Fowler and Yorke will join Andy Cole and a galaxy of former Premier League stars in the inaugural Legends of Football tour to Australia that will include a stopover at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 16.
Initiated in the UK, the legends tour will bring together big names from Liverpool, Manchester United and Australia for a six-a-side round robin tournament.
Matches are played on a indoor pitch over 30 minutes with unlimited interchange.
Jets assistant coach
Michael Bridges will head up the Aussie Legends and played in similar tournaments in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur earlier this year.
"The concept has been a resounding success in Europe and Asia and I can't wait to bring the experience to Australian football fans," Bridges said.
"A lot of the lads have not long retired and can still play at a very high standard. They have magical touches and are still in good nick.
"The games are played on a pitch that is similar in design to an ice hockey rink.
"It's skilful and fast football.
"The fans are right on top of the action and there is a lot of interaction with the players."
The tournament, which includes a final, lasts three hours and will have live commentary and a big screen.
The legends will spend 10 days in Australia, starting with a game at All Phones Arena, Sydney, on January 10.
As well as the games, the players will conduct kids coaching clinics, attend functions and autograph sessions.
"There will be a chance for the fans, old and young, to get up close and personal," Bridges said. "It's not just play a tournament and off they go. They will be getting involved in the community.
"When we started planning the event we received an amazing response from some of the great names from Manchester, Liverpool and Australia."
Yorke was the first big name to play in the A-League and helped steer Sydney FC to the inaugural championship.
Fowler, who scored 128 of his 160 Premier League goals for Liverpool, played for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory.
The Legends tournament begins a big month of football in Newcastle highlighted by the Asian Cup, which will see four games played at Hunter Stadium, including a semi-final and play-off for third.