Marquee allowed to stay at sports bar

A marquee set up in the car park of a Stourbridge bar to host appearances from stars in the world of sport will return in September, it has been revealed.

Cross Sports bar owner Wayne Etheridge originally booked the huge tent as a venue for fans to follow England's fortunes during Euro 2008.

But when the home nation failed to qualify, Mr Etheridge booked a host of star names from the world of sport to appear in a bid to banish the blues. Football legends Geoff Hurst, Jack Charlton and Jimmy Greaves and former boxing world champion Frank Bruno are among the personalities to have appeared in the last couple of weeks.

Mr Etheridge confirmed the events had been an overwhelming success – and revealed plans for the return of the marquee in September. Dates and times have yet to be confirmed but Manchester United stars Denis Law and Harry Gregg, former Formula One motor champion Nigel Mansell, BBC commentator John Motson, larger than life football manager Barry Fry and former Newcastle and England striker Peter Beardsley have all been pencilled in to appear.

Mr Etheridge said: "By and large the events were very well attended.

"We wanted to try and banish the blues for supporters upset at England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and we have certainly had some laughs over the last couple of weeks with the stories that have been told.

"Plans are now in place to bring the marquee back in September and bring another host of top names along to Stourbridge to meet the people.

"Hospitality will be available again and we are hoping for a good turnout again."

People can keep an eye on the latest developments at the pub by logging onto the website www.sportsbaroldswinford.co.uk.