FORMER Ipswich Town star John Wark will have his own 'backing group' when he plays a high-profile match in Spain on Saturday week.

Elvin King

FORMER Ipswich Town star John Wark will have his own 'backing group' when he plays a high-profile match in Spain on Saturday week.

The 51-year-old is taking with him to Torrevieja for a specially arranged Liverpool Veterans match part of the cheerleading group that entertains during the interval of Blues matches at Portman Road.

Wark's former team mates at Anfield Jimmy Case, Jason McAteer and Alan Kennedy are also expected to play in a game on November 29 against a Spanish All-Star XI.

The Theatretrain cheerleader group went through their paces at Portman Road this week in readiness for their trip to Spain with Linda Lomas saying: “The girls will be showing their routines to Spanish supporters and joining in with the rest of the weekend's events.

“Being part of the Ipswich Town cheerleader squad, only a few can travel as there is a home game at Portman Road that day against Sheffield United.

“They are so excited and feel privileged to have been asked.”

And team leader Karina Bull said: “I have been teaching at Theatretrain for a few years and this is a great opportunity to show my skills as a choreographer, and to meet some footballing legends.”

Apart from Bull, the girls making the trip are Leonie Guiler, Amy Birt, Tayla Richardson, Charlotte Mitchell and Lois Sefton.

And former Ipswich-based physio Mike Maskery is looking forward to meeting up with Wark again.

Maskery, who has been in Harley Street, London this week having his methods verified, is now based near Torrevieja.

He has his own practice in Spain where he specialises in his own treatments that are centred on working on spasms around the centre of the pain.

“I used to do work with John (Wark) and it will be great to meet up with him again,” said Maskery, who had a practice in Pinecroft Road and worked on match days for among others Ipswich Wanderers.

“There are footballers I am dealing with now, and also the older generation who are recovering from knee or hip replacements.

“And I am also involved in starting up a rugby union side in the area.”

Ipswich Town fans have a chance to watch the game in Torrevieja with a special trip being arranged through former Town youth team player Mark Lomas.

Supporters wishing to join in the fun and enjoy a weekend that will include a dinner with the players should contact Lomas on mark@msandcosolicitors.co.uk or telephone 07968 441542.