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Brown joins newspaper in tribute to footballing legend

One of Scotland’s greatest ever footballers will be honoured in a Hall of Fame event that has been organised with the help of a local newspaper.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has teamed up with the Fife Free Press for the project which will take the form of a live show to honour Jim Baxter.

Jim, widely regarded as Scotland’s best-ever player,  began his career with the club after being discovered by scout Jim McDiarmid, the father of one the club’s current directors Val McDiarmid.

His legendary career will be celebrated at a gala show at the Adam Smith Theatre in Fife on 21 May with all proceeds going to Raith Rovers Football Club.

The Press has been joined by local MP Mr Brown and local businessmen Alistair Cameron, Willie MacGregor and Matt Lawson in staging the event which will feature a number of VIP guests and raise money for the club.

Editor Allan Crow said: ”The idea came while attending a gala night featuring Sir Alex Ferguson at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline.

“‘We pitched it to Gordon Brown, he gave us his immediate backing – and the board of directors also gave it their unanimous endorsement. Since then we’ve been busy scoping out venues and formats, and have settled on a live show featuring faces from the world of football.

Pictured from left are organisers Matt Lawson, Alistair Cameron, Gordon Brown MP, Allan Crow, Willie MacGregor.

”The aim is to make it accessible to all fans, and we’re looking forward to a great night when we can honour a true legend.”

The Press has already led the ‘Rally Round Rovers’ fundraising campaign, netting £10,000 since the end of last year – and the Hall of Fame will be the biggest single event in 2012 to generate significant funds.

Ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks, and the organisers are hoping for a total sell-out.