FORMER Premier League boss Ian Holloway was impressed by the display of some Cherries legends at Vitality Stadium on Sunday, insisting: “They look like they could still play!”

Holloway was in the dugout, coaching a team of ‘Holloway’s Heroes’ against Harry Redknapp’s ‘Redknapp Rovers’ in the My Tribute charity match at the weekend.

The game, organised by Calum Best, saw money raised for both Cherries Community Fund and the National Association of Children of Alcoholics.

Fans turned out in force, with two stands open to supporters, to see a host of celebrities as well as six ex-Cherries players take to the field.

Steve Fletcher, Shaun MacDonald and Brett Pitman all started for Holloway’s side, the latter scoring twice, while Redknapp’s team boasted Jimmy Glass, Simon Francis and Tommy Elphick.

Redknapp’s Rovers ran out 5-3 winners, with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara netting a hat-trick.

Celebrity trio Jeremy Lynch, Billy Brown and Sam Bailey were also on target on the day.

Discussing the performances of the former Cherries contingent, Holloway told the Daily Echo: “They look like they could still play, don’t they? Seriously, Elphick and Francis are unbelievable.

“What they managed to do for this football club is legendary, honestly. Absolutely fantastic.

“And to be stood in the dugout next to the supremo of the jungle is something else!”

Asked what it was like to be back in the dugout for the one-off occasion, having not managed competitively since leaving Grimsby Town in December 2020, former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Holloway said: “You always feel like home when you’re doing it.

“But it’s nice to do it with other people from different worlds.

“You’ve got James Arthur there, I love his song. It makes me cry every time I listen to it.

“He said it took him about 20 minutes to write, which is unbelievable. It’s a lot harder playing football, he said.”

Holloway added: “I’m delighted with what Calum’s doing. It’s fantastic, not only is he being open about how his dad was and what a wonderful man he was and the difficulties he’s had, he’s also spreading the love to everybody, and giving back, which is fantastic.

“I’m so delighted everybody came. A fantastic bit of fun. Some good play out there as well.

“We had slightly too many people on the pitch, but it didn’t matter. An absolutely wonderful day, well done to everybody for coming.”